US additives firm Addivant has completed the first phase of capacity expansions at Gulf Stabilizers Industries (GSI), the company’s joint venture in Al Jubaïl, Saudi Arabia. Once completed, the production capacity of hindered phenolic antioxidants, ANOX 20 and ANOX PP18 and, phosphite antioxidant ALKANOX 240 will double to 10,500 tonnes.

GSI's Board of Directors also announced that plans are underway to expand production capacity of the ANOX NDB product line to 24,000 tonnes/year to meet growing customer demand for a range of new, higher performing products.

GSI is a joint venture between Addivant and Zamil ChemPlast, one of Saudi Arabia's leading industrial manufacturing companies.

“We have worked closely with our customers in the Middle East since 2001, when we were the first additive company to invest in the region. Today, GSI remains the only local manufacturer of antioxidants and we are committed to support our customers with innovation, security of supply, and overall value” said Peter Smith, Addivant CEO and GSI Chairman of the Board.

“The rapid expansion of the Middle East polymer industry over the past two decades has been impressive and it will continue in the years ahead with the downstream markets playing an increasingly important role. Smith added, “With our breadth of specialty additives and formulation capabilities, we will continue to support our customers in the growth of applications in the automotive, packaging, agriculture, building and construction, and medical markets”.

”ALKANOX 240, ANOX 20 and ANOX PP18 represent key building blocks of our ANOX NDB blended products, which are today’s preferred additive solution for customers in the region”, stated Adel Alghassab, Zamil ChemPlast President and GSI Board Member.

ANOX NDB enables multiple polymer additives to be incorporated in non-dusting physical forms. These forms are proven to increase productivity, reduce production costs, advance final product quality, and improve workplace health and safety.