The specialty chemicals group comprising the activities of Italian composites manufacturer Polynt and US unsaturated resins producer Reichold, which merged in 2017, said it intends to recreate in North America the successful integrated business model it employs in Europe.

Morris is Polynt-Reichhold’s largest manufacturing site for unsaturated polyester resins, for which maleic anhydride is a key raw material. The group said it has ample space for expansion at this location, which also benefits from cost-efficient logistics via its access to a rail spur and barge dock on the Illinois River. No timescale has been announced for completion of the project for which plans were announced in autumn last year. 

The decision to go ahead with the new US facility follows a “thorough evaluation of multiple organic and inorganic investment opportunities,” including buying an existing plant, said president and CEO Rosario Valido, adding that the latter option proved not to be feasible.

Polynt-Reichhold said it continues to evaluate its integration strategy for phthalic anhydride, for which it already owns the technology and catalyst manufacture. The group is considering either integrating a unit within its existing operations or building a greenfield facility. A final decision is expected before the end of the year.

“For phthalic anhydride, we are in an earlier stage and different options are still on the table,” Valido said. “We are committed to progress in integrating intermediates and resins. An investment in phthalic anhydride will strengthen our competitive position in the Americas while leveraging our proprietary technologies and deep experience operating intermediates facilities in Europe and Asia.”