By Patrick Raleigh,, UT On-line/news editorIndianapolis, Indiana-Great Lakes Chemical Corp. has recently increased the capacity of its antioxidants production facility in Pyongtaek, Korea. The expansion was in response to growing demand for the group's Lowinox 1790 phenolic antioxidant for use in polyurethane fibres and polyolefins.The company did not give capacity details, but said the expansion "further ensures" that it can meet future demand for Lowinox 1790. The extra capacity at Pyongtaek is already fully installed and production in full stream, said a 30 Sept Great Lakes statement. "Making an investment to increase production capacity of this key antioxidant supports the emerging needs of both the polymer industry and, particularly, our customers in the polyurethane fibres and polyolefins markets," commented Maurizio Butti, executive vice president of Great Lakes'polymer stabilizers business. With plants in both Europe and Asia, Great Lakes claims to be a leading world producer of phenolic antioxidants, The Pyongtaek plant is part of the group's majority-owned Asia Stabilizers joint venture with Miwon Commercial. The JV supplies UV stabilizers, main and specialty antioxidants, and additive blends.Great Lakes supplies phenolic, phosphite, and thiosynergist antioxidants through its Polymer Additives division. The unit also offers flame retardants, UV stabilizers, nucleating and clarifying agents, and polymer stabilizer blends. "
