· First thiochemicals industrial platform in Asia
· Strengthening of Arkema’s world leading position in this product line
· Development in a fast growing region, in particular in the animal feed, petrochemicals and refining markets
The thiochemicals platform, which came on stream in Kerteh, Malaysia at the beginning of 2015, produces methyl mercaptan for use as a synthesis intermediate in animal feed and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS). The development of this site is consistent with the Group’s growth strategy in Asia, and strengthens Arkema’s position as the world leader in the production of high added value sulfur derivatives.
The construction of this new world-scale site has represented an investment of some €200 million for the Group.
Arkema thereby reaffirms its expertise in thiochemicals technologies, and confirms its vast expertise in the production of methyl mercaptan, a sulfur intermediate that is key in the manufacture of the bio-methionine produced on the same site by Korean company CJ CheilJedang using an innovative biosourced process. These plants will help meet fast-growing demand in the Asian animal feed market.
By also doubling its DMDS global capacity, the Group moreover supports the steady growth of the petrochemicals and refining markets, and now has world-scale plants in Europe, theUnited States and Asia.
The start-up of the Kerteh plant marks a further key milestone in Arkema’s growth strategy and will contribute to achieve its long-term targets. The production at the Kerteh site will ramp-up gradually.
A global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema is building the future of the chemical industry every day. Deploying a responsible, innovation-based approach, we produce state-of-the-art specialty chemicals that provide customers with practical solutions to such challenges as climate change, access to drinking water, the future of energy, fossil fuel preservation and the need for lighter materials. With operations in more than 40 countries, some 14,000 employees and 10 research centers, Arkema generates annual revenue of some €6.1 billion, and holds leadership positions in all its markets with a portfolio of internationally recognized brands.