Plant Expansions: Mitsui to up PP compounding in Thailand;

Mitsui Chemicals has decided to expand its production facilities at Grand Siam Composites Co in Thailand to meet growing global demand for polypropylene (PP) compounds. The plant in Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate will produce 13,000 tonnes/year by 2020. It is owned by Mitsui Chemicals: 45.2%, SCG Chemicals: 46.2%; Prime Polymer: 3% and others: 5.6%

Mitsui Chemicals Group currently operates eight production bases around the world (Japan, US, Mexico, Europe, Thailand, China, India and Brazil) and research bases in five areas (Japan, US, Europe, Thailand and China). The group has continued to enhance its production systems, sales and R&D of high-performance PP compounds, which can be used to help reduce the weight of automobiles.

Recently strengthened environmental regulations have driven an increasing global need for lighter automobiles. As a result, demand for PP compounds is rising each year to meet lightweighting needs in bumpers, instrument panels and more.

This increase in capacity will not only strengthen the Mitsui Chemical Group’s supply capabilities in the growing Asian market, but it will also expand the group’s global supply system and ensure the stable provision of premium-quality products to automakers and parts manufacturers with bases in Asia.