2014-2015 Exhibitions
US firm Invista broke ground on new hexamethylene diamine (HMD) and nylon 6,6 polymer plants at the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park (SCIP) in China recently. These facilities are said to mark a key milestone in Invista’s plans for integrated nylon 6,6 facilities in the China market and underscore the company’s commitment to the region.
“China is one of the most important regions for our growth strategy,” said Jeff Gentry, Chairman/CEO, speaking at the ceremony attended by 300 people including senior government officials from SCIP, the Jinshan government and related authorities, local customers, Invista executives and employees.
The 215,000-tonne HMD plant and the 150,000-tonne polymer plant are expected to start up in 2015. Invista has already received several government permits; most recently, the Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau granted Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval for the polymer facility.
In addition to the HMD and polymer plants, Invista has plans for a future, 300,000-tonne adiponitrile (ADN) facility. Once completed, these new facilities will be among the most energy-efficient nylon intermediates sites in the world and will employ Invista’s most advanced technologies for ADN, HMD and polymer production, according to the US-headquartered firm. The overall investment in these plants will exceed US$1 billion, which will be the largest capital investment undertaken by Invista to date.
Warren Primeaux, President of Invista Intermediates, said, “We believe that China is driving global nylon demand growth, and the use of nylon 6,6 intermediates and polymer in the region will be increasing. The new facilities will enable us to provide customers with better service, shorter lead time and a local resource for production. We are excited to continue supporting the increasing regional demand for durable goods—products that can be enhanced by the use of nylon 6,6.”
HMD, ADN and nylon 6,6 polymer are materials used in the production of nylon 6,6 fibres and polymers that ultimately become part of air bags, automobile parts, carpet, workout apparel, outdoor equipment and more.
(PRA)
