Bayer MaterialScience's PC line in China delayed

29-Jun-07

Bayer MaterialScience (Leverkusen, Germany) will delay start-up of its second polycarbonate line with a capacity of 100,000 tpa at Caojing, China by at least six months. The plant start up was due in early 2008. Labour shortages to the building boom in China are causing problems, along with the inability of local contractors to supply equipment punctually. The delay could be possible longer than 6 months an is subject to on market conditions. Global margins for polycarbonate have receded from 20% to 6-10% since planning for the project began.