Swiss specialty chemicals producer Clariant has opened a new PP catalyst production facility in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, as part of a strategy to accelerate its growth in North America. The new plant has been developed and implemented in cooperation with CB&I and is part of a long-term strategic partnership with the US contractor’s Novolen PP technology business. CB&I’s Novolen gas-phase process is based on Ziegler-Natta and metallocene catalysts and produces a full range of homopolymer and random copolymer resins.

The facility, which combines sales, technical service, R&D, a technical center, pilot plants and production, is now Clariant’s largest US production hub for catalysts and further strengthens Louisville as the most important site for its regional business, the Muttenz-headquartered group said. Clariant’s CEO, Hariolf Kottmann, described the investment as a “significant step forward” for its catalysts business unit. The Swiss group has expanded its presence in North America in recent years, with sales increasing from $939 million in 2011 to $1.12 billion in 2015.