Huntsman expands to service PU demand
Huntsman Corporation is expanding production of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) by investment in a new plant at its Geismar, Louisiana site, expected to be on stream by 2018.
MDI-based polyurethanes are used in many markets, including footwear, and demand is growing at 8% annually.
The 400,000 metric ton expansion will leverage the advantages of the 760 acre Geismar site - the largest integrated MDI production facility in the Americas region.
Anthony Hankins, president of Huntsman Polyurethanes, said: "Shale gas has significantly improved the economics of investing in US facilities and has helped our Geismar facility to establish a strong cost leadership position.”
In addition to its Geismar facility, Huntsman Polyurethanes operates MDI facilities at its sites in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and Shanghai, China.
