The specialty chemicals business of AkzoNobel (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) has entered the next phase of a major expansion at its organic peroxides facility in Ningbo, China. The expansion will increase production capacity at the plant by more than 100% by the third quarter of 2018.
The Ningbo site produces dicumyl peroxide (DCP), an organic peroxide used as a crosslinking agent in the manufacturing of polymers. Capacity at the site was boosted by 40% in August 2017 following the completion of an initial project, and it is now set to double to a total annual capacity of 38,000 tons.
“The market for DCP is strong and continues to grow globally,” says Johan Landfors, managing director of the company’s polymer chemistry business. “This new expansion is necessary to meet that demand, and is also a visible demonstration of the company’s continued commitment to invest in the future of the specialty chemicals business.”
DCP is used in the production of a variety of polymers requiring strong durability, such as polymers made for the insulation of high voltage cables. These are increasingly in demand for upgrading electricity networks, as well as for connecting offshore wind parks and other sources of renewable energy.
“The continued development in Ningbo is a clear sign to our customers that we are dedicated to retaining our leadership position in the organic peroxides industry,” says Werner Fuhrmann, the group’s executive committee member responsible for specialty chemicals. “By continuing to invest in our production sites and focusing on operational excellence, we will be better positioned to accommodate the growth of our customers.”
More than 500 people are employed at the Ningbo site, which houses manufacturing plants for several of the company’s specialty chemicals businesses. The Ningbo DCP plant is the largest of its kind in the world, according to the company.
Source: AkzoNobel, www.akzonobel.com.