Huntsman opens new China polyurethanes plant

Huntsman held an inauguration ceremony Thursday to mark the official opening  of its new thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) production facility at the Jinshan Second Industry Zone in Shanghai, China.

The 21,000 m2 plant, which cost $20 million, is Huntsman's first TPU production facility in the Asia Pacific region and complements the company's existing TPU plants in the USA and Germany. 

The facility has been built to service the region's fast-growing demand for TPUs, which are used in an extensive range of consumer and industrial applications, including sports footwear and clothing, automotive interior parts and glass lamination.

"China has become the largest market for TPU products and this new facility will significantly improve our supply capabilities, enabling us to respond more quickly and effectively to the needs of our partners in the region," said Tony Hankins, CEO of Huntsman's polyurethanes business in Asia-Pacific.

"The investment reflects our long-term commitment to our local customers and builds on the division's strategy of strengthening our downstream capabilities."