BASF plans MDI expansion at Belgium

18-Dec-06

BASF's planned expansion of its existing diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) facility at Antwerp, Belgium, will make the plant the largest of its type in the world. Expansion is planned for Q2-2007, when the annual capacity of the two-train plant is to be expanded from 450,000 to 560,000 metric tons. BASF has also planned construction of two plants at the site for the MDI feedstocks: a 180,000 ton aniline plant and a 280,000 ton mononitrobenzene plant. The plants are scheduled to start operations simultaneously with the MDI expansion. Global market for MDI is estimated to grow by over 6% in the coming years, with particularly strong growth in Asia. This expansion has been planned to meet increasing global demand for MDI, and will further strengthen BASF's position as a leading and reliable producer of polyurethane basic products and systems. Antwerp has been selected as the xpansion site as its location makes it an important platform to serve customers not only in Europe, but also in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Antwerp is the only European site at which BASF produces MDI. Outside of Europe, BASF produces MDI at its sites in Geismar, Louisiana; Yeosu, Korea; and Caojing, China. The isocyanate MDI is an important feedstock for manufacture of polyurethanes - versatile polymers that are used in many applications such as the automotive and construction industries, in appliances such as refrigerators, and for upholstery and footwear. MDI-based insulating materials play an important role in saving valuable energy, as well as by a number of innovative applications