Songwon completes expansion of polymer antioxidant plant, introduces two enhanced grades

14-Sep-11

Songwon Industrial Group has announced that the expansion of its antioxidant capacity from 55,000 to 70,000 tons has been completed ahead of time. This is the result of the consolidation of Songnox® 1076 production into Songwon’s new fully backward integrated Maeam plant. In addition Songwon has announced as a consequence of this expansion the introduction of two enhanced physical forms of Songnox® 1076: Songnox® 1076 SB (semi beads) and Songnox® 1076 CP (crystalline powder). Jongho Park, Chairman and CEO of Songwon Industrial Group, commented: “We previously announced the start-up of the new capacity to be on-stream in August 2011. Our technical and manufacturing teams have exceeded expectations and the new capacity start-up commenced smoothly on July 20, 2011 and is now in full production. The additional capacity is a key step in our commitment to support the growing demand of the polymer industry. We believe that Maeam is now not only the biggest plant in the world dedicated to polymer antioxidants, but also one of the best manufacturing platforms delivering unequaled consistency and reliability of supply. We have achieved this through proprietary technology and a focus on fully backward integrated production of the key intermediates isobutylene and alkylphenols, combined with the benefit of improved economy of scale.” Maurizio Butti, COO of Songwon Industrial Group, added: “The completion of this expansion is particularly important for Songwon and for the market; with the expected growth of the polymer industry, product availability is a key concern of our customers and our expanded capacity will allow us to support the growth demands of our customers now and in the future. The consolidation in Maeam of the production of Songnox® 1076 greatly enhances the flexibility of the antioxidant products that we deliver.” Maurizio concluded: “Last but not least the two new enhanced physical forms for Songnox® 1076 which we are introducing will upgrade critical properties making it more robust and easier to handle and will deliver clear benefits for our customers. The new products are already fully available in industrial quantities.”