08.02.2018 • NewsArkemaChinaDede Willams

Arkema Adding PA 12 Capacity in China

Complementing a major expansion project for bio-based polyamide 11 Arkema is...
Complementing a major expansion project for bio-based polyamide 11 Arkema is widening its worldwide PA 12 production capacity in reaction to strong demand in Asia (c) Arkema

Complementing a major expansion project for bio-based polyamide 11, French chemical producer Arkema is widening its worldwide PA 12 production capacity in reaction to strong demand in Asia. The 25% expansion will take place at the company’s Changshu platform in China and is expected on stream by mid-2020.

In 2017, CEO Thierry Le Heńaff announced that Arkema would spend €300 million over five years on expanding its Rilsan PA 11 output up to 2021, without disclosing a location, capacity or investment cost for the new “world-scale” production plant.

With this latest investment, which the company said will cost “tens of millions of euros,” Arkema said it is continuing the build-up of its specialty polyamide business in all three major global regions – Europe, North America and now Asia.

The new capacity for the Rilsamid-trademarked PA 12 will support the strong demand in growth applications such as cable protection, lightweighting in automobiles, improved high performance sports shoes and evolving applications in the consumer electronics segment. In Asia, mid-term growth rates in these applications are expected to exceed 7% annually.

"With this latest project, the specialty polyamides business will continue to bolster its industrial, commercial and R&D presence in Asia, while confirming its commitment to supply its global customers locally,” said Julie Zhang, regional president of Arkema’s Technical Polymers business in Asia.

Interview

Specialty Chemicals in a Shifting World
Adapting to Tariffs and Strengthening Regional Networks

Specialty Chemicals in a Shifting World

Jennifer Abril, President & CEO of SOCMA, discusses the impact of new tariffs and the importance of regional supply networks in the specialty chemical industry.

Whitepaper

Excellence in Pharmaceutical Distribution and The Critical Role of Good Distribution Practice (GDP)
Setting the Standard

Excellence in Pharmaceutical Distribution and The Critical Role of Good Distribution Practice (GDP)

Are you ready to elevate your pharmaceutical operations? Download our exclusive whitepaper and discover how compliance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) is essential for the safety and integrity of pharmaceuticals.