After several years of studies, the construction of Arkema's bio-methionine plant and thiochemicals platform in Asia officially started in October in Kerteh, in the State of Terengganu in Malaysia.

Arkema owns an in-house production process of methyl mercaptan, a sulfur-based intermediate that is used in the production of methionine. CJ owns an industrial bio-fermentation process to produce L-methionine, a bio-amino acid for animal feed, from renewable raw materials. The plant is scheduled to come on stream by end 2013.

Total investment amount for the joint project is about $450 million, where CJ will build and operate bio-methionine plant and Arkema will build and operate the thiochemical plant. Upon completion, Arkema will supply a key raw ingredient to CJ for the production of bio-methionine. When completed, the facility will be able to produce 80,000 metric tons of bio-methionine additives for poultry and 50,000 metric tons of sulphur derivatives for the petrochemical markets.

The choice of the site went to Kerteh because of its logistical infrastructures and the availability of utilities and raw materials at competitive prices.