German nylon and intermediates producer Domo Chemicals is undertaking a joint project with Total Raffinerie Mitteldeutschland at their shared site in Leuna, the former German Democratic Republic combine, now a chemical park. The companies are investing  a “double-digit million” euro sum to build two plant sections scheduled to go into operation from autumn 2017.

A new section of Total’s refinery will enrich propylene from its gasoline production, which will feed into Domo’s downstream manufacture of nylon and intermediates. Domo said the intensified cooperation with Total will strengthen the existing network. It added that the project is also a demonstration of how to develop successful synergies at the site.

According to Luc De Raedt, managing director of Domo Caproleuna, the investment ensures long-term access to propylene feedstock for the company’s integrated PA 6 production.

The new structure allows Total to have better regional feedstock integration, said Willi Frantz, the refinery’s managing director. The development, he said, is Total’s reaction to the long-term decline in European demand for gasoline as it adapts its yield patterns.