Celanese to double vinyl acetate ethylene capacity in China

27-Oct-09

Chemical maker Celanese Corp. plans to double vinyl acetate ethylene (VAE) capacity at Nanjing, China. Operations are expected to commence in H1-2011. With 6 production units, Nanjing is currently the largest integrated site in the company’s global manufacturing network. Products include acetic acid and vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) as well as the existing emulsions plant. This expansion is the latest in a number of investments by Celanese in China. The new VAE emulsions plant will yield manufacturing and supply chain synergies with the company`s current facilities that manufacture vinyl-based homo- and copolymers, pure acrylic and VAE emulsions. The expanded facility will be built utilizing best-in-class technologies drawn from the company`s global manufacturing footprint including Europe and the Americas. The investment will support continued growth plans for the Celanese Emulsion Polymers business in Asia, including China, India and Southeast Asia and Australia. "This expansion anticipates continuing strong growth for high performing VAE emulsions in the region," said Doug Madden, Celanese corporate executive vice president. "Celanese is committed to growth within China and across Asia, and this expansion is a solid example of our ongoing investment in the region. We recognize the importance of planning for the future growth of our Emulsions business and are preparing for growth by building upon our past success at our Nanjing facility."