Stepan Expands Polyols Production in Poland

US-based Stepan, a manufacturer of specialty and intermediate chemicals, is adding a new reactor in Brzeg Dolny, Poland, to increase its polyester polyols output. The expansion will be completed in mid-2016. No capacity details were disclosed. Stepan said the additional capacity will support its growth in Europe’s coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers (CASE) market segments.

The company has also completed the relocation of its European R&D and technical service center to new laboratories in Wroclaw, Poland. The expanded facilities, which include a wide range of test and production equipment, will service Stepan’s business in insulation foams as well as in CASE.

Roger Stubbs, Stepan’s vice president for polymers, Europe, said that by using its expertise in polyester chemistry and focusing on innovation and technical service, the company is committed to further meeting its global and regional customers’ demands now and in the future.

Last month, Stepan announced plans to close its plant in Longford Mills, Canada, by the end of 2016 with the loss of around 30 jobs. Products manufactured at the site will be moved to other locations within its existing network in North America. The company said the closure will cut its fixed costs and allow it to improve its asset utilization in the region.