Philadelphia -- Chemtura Corp. said 21 Feb that it will increase its capacity for antioxidants and UV stabilisers to position itself for growth in growing markets and to more effectively serve its global customers.
"Today's leading polymer producers require their suppliers to supply product globally and be committed to innovation," said Peter Smith, head of Chemtura's Global Antioxidant and UV Stabilizer Group.
"With our expansion plans, we intend to be the most innovative and global supplier focused on meeting the local requirements of our customers," Smith added.
"To support global growth, Chemtura will continue to supply antioxidants through a combination of technology licensing, global sourcing agreements, and our own global manufacturing network in the Middle East, Asia, North America, South America and Europe. Today we have a substantial global capacity for antioxidants with the broadest range of chemistry, making us a clear industry-leading producer."
As part of this initiative, Chemtura plans to add capacity for alkylated phenol, the key raw material for antioxidants, adding new capacity and a new range of speciality alkylated phenols to be produced at its Catenoy site in France. The alkylated phenols are used as intermediates in a number of Chemtura products and also are sold in the outside marketplace.
Chemtura also plans to produce its new Weston 705 product for styrenics at multiple sites around the world.
Complementing these new liquid antioxidants, Chemtura has an agreement to cooperate with Everspring Corp. of Taiwan to develop and manufacture a range of phenolic antioxidants, including Anox 20 and Anox PP18, suitable for use in polyurethanes and other polymers.
Chemtura is expanding its own capacity of Alkanox 240 phosphite antioxidants, also for styrenics, with additional capacity in Asia and the Middle East.
"These actions will support growth and allow us to take advantage of global expansion opportunities, especially in the Middle East and throughout Asia," said Chemtura chairman, president and ceo Craig Rogerson. "These strategic changes underscore our commitment to our global antioxidant and UV stabiliser business," he added.
Chemtura, currently in Chapter 11 protection, had sales in 2008 of $3800 million, and makes specialty chemicals, including urethane prepolymers, as well as chemicals for crop protection and pool, spa and home care products.
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