Mitsui Chemicals expands resin modifier capacity at Singapore

12-Jul-07

Mitsui Chemicals (MCI) plans new capacity to increase production capacity for TAFMER - a flexible and light resin modifier, dramatically improves impact resistance for molding materials such as automobile bumpers and sealability for packaging materials, when blended with thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The material is also applied to midsoles of athletic shoes, thanks to its property as an excellent flexible molding material. TAFMER is expected to cover wide range of applications such as automotive, industrial and packaging materials. The company has planned an investment outlay of 19 bln yen (US$160 mln) for the plant that will have production capacity of 100,000 tpa. Addition of this new capacity will raise MELS' total production capacity to 200,000 tpa. Construction will start in March 2008 with completion scheduled for August 2009.The new plant is to be managed by Mitsui Elastomers Singapoer Pte. Ltd. (MELS), a subsidiary of MCI which manufactures and sells TAFMER. The capacity expansion will allow MCI to secure stable supply of the material, in response to rapidly growing demand in Asia.