Perstorp, Sweden -- Speciality chemicals company Perstorp announced 18 Nov that plans to increase its production of aliphatic polyisocyanates in response to growing market demand in Asia, and China in particular.
Swedish group Perstorp said it plans to set up a new plant for the materials in China in 2012, with capacity rising to 12 kilotonnes per annum. In parallel Perstorp also plans to debottleneck existing plants -- at Pont-de- Claix in France and Freeport in Texas -- to support growth outside Asia.
"As one of the world's leading suppliers of aliphatic isocyanates we need to build on our position in Asia and in China in particular where the market is experiencing fast growth," said Eric Aubay, business unit director for HDI & derivates. "To do this we need to boost our production and supply capabilities and we intend to be investing in an expansion programme soon."
Perstorp produces solvent-based Tolonate and Easaqua aliphatic polyisocyanates, which are self-emulsifiable in water, for high-performance polyurethane coatings.
Such isocyanates are also used as hardeners in coatings, elastomers and foam products with major market applications in automotive (OEM & refinish), industrial maintenance, plastic & wood coatings, transportation, aerospace, coil & can coatings, leather finishing and adhesives. "They represent a strategically important part of Perstorp's product portfolio," the group said. With an average expected annual growth rate of 6 percent, aliphatic isocyanates "represent a highly attractive market."
Discussing the expansion, Martin Lundin, Perstorp president and ceo noted: "Being a reliable supply-partner for our customers means being able to support their needs worldwide. We are wholly committed to strengthening our worldwide manufacturing and channel network to be able to respond to our customer's needs wherever they are located."
PIC: Aubay (right) with Bo Haggman of Perstorp's polyols business, at PU CHINA 2009 last September
"
