AkzoNobel to add plant at Ningbo multi-site for its Functional Chemicals business

30-Apr-10

AkzoNobel is to build an additional plant at its Ningbo multi-site for its Functional Chemicals business. The new €17 mln project – part of a total investment of €275 mln – will further expand the company’s rapidly growing organic peroxides activities. The new organic peroxides plant will produce Perkadox 14 (used for different types of rubber and thermoplastics) and Trigonox 101 (used for rheology control of polypropylene and synthetic rubbers). They are used in industries such as automotive, building and construction, as well as for durable goods. Demand for both products, notably in Asia, is rapidly increasing. “This latest addition to our Ningbo site will enable us to better serve our growing customer base in the region,” said Rob Frohn, the AkzoNobel Board member responsible for Specialty Chemicals. “China in particular is fundamental to AkzoNobel’s strategy in high growth markets and Ningbo has a key role to play in our plans for Specialty Chemicals.” Production of chelates has already started at the location, while new ethylene amines and ethylene oxide factories are also due to come on stream later this year. The new unit is expected to be operational in late 2011.