Petrochemicals
Huntsman to expand Texas ethylene oxide plant
The expansion will leverage Huntsman's integrated EO derivatives production to produce surfactants, ethanolamines, specialty chemicals and ethylene glycol (EG).
EuroChem finalizes purchase of BASF fertilizer unit
BASF completed the sale of its fertilizer business in Antwerp, Belgium, to EuroChem. The deal includes plants for CAN/AN fertilizers (calcium ammonium nitrate/ammonium nitrate), NPK fertilizers (nitrogen-phosphate-potassium) and nitrophosphoric acid as well as three related nitric acid plants.
Rockwood opens surface treatment plant in India, targets automotive industry
Chemetall Surface Treatment, the global metal surface treatment business of Rockwood, has invested in a new state-of-the-art production plant in Chennai, India, in response to rising demand for local products. The design and construction of the plant set new benchmarks in safety and quality, the company said.
RPM buys Australian automotive, specialty coatings company HiChem
RPM International has acquired HiChem Paint Technologies, a leading Australian manufacturer of automotive aftermarket coatings, as well as specialty coatings for industrial applications and home maintenance. HiChem has annual sales of approximately $23 million.
PPG, Argex form technical partnership on TiO2
PPG Industries says it has entered into a technical collaboration deal with Canada's Argex Mining to utilize PPG’s existing technology and know-how relating to the manufacture of titanium dioxide pigment for paints and coatings applications. Both companies have agreed to certain terms of mutual exclusivity.
UOP to expand adsorbents, catalysts production at Alabama facility
Honeywell's UOP will invest $20 million to expand its production facility in Mobile, Ala., to produce adsorbents and catalysts. The products are often used by petrochemical producers and refiners. The expansion is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year, according to the company.
Sabic, Sinopec begin building $1.7bn China PC plant
The joint venture between Sabic and Sinopec says that the planned new polycarbonate (PC) plant at its petrochemical complex in Tianjin city will cost $1.7 billion. Sabic, which revealed the plan first in May last year, said the plant will be operational by 2015 and construction will start immediately.
Dow Chemical to close plants amid cost cuts, cites weak Europe economy
Dow will shut down three insulation products plants as well as idle a plant in Terneuzen, The Netherlands. The company is also closing its TDI plant in Camaçari, Brazil.
Foster Wheeler inks global services pact with Dow
Foster Wheeler has signed a strategic umbrella agreement with Dow Chemical for the provision of project management, consulting, engineering, procurement, construction management, and construction services. The deal offers support by Foster Wheeler to selected Dow global capital projects, the companies said.
Chevron Phillips to build on-purpose 1-hexene plant at Texas complex
Chevron Phillips will build the world’s largest on-purpose 1-hexene plant, capable of producing up to 250,000 tpy (551,000,000 lbs) at its Cedar Bayou chemical complex in Baytown, Texas. The project is anticipated to start up during the first quarter of 2014. Costs were not disclosed.
- U.S. labor board judge rules Exxon's Texas refinery union lockout was legal 11/28
- U.S. crude stocks fall, gasoline and distillate inventories rise 11/28
- Maersk could use 15%–20% alternative fuels for its fleet in 2030 11/28
- Germany's BSW pushes to restore Russian oil to Schwedt refinery, seeks regional legitimacy 11/28
- Asia likely to benefit from cheaper Canadian, Mexican oil if Trump imposes tariffs 11/28
- Singapore distillates stocks tick up for fifth week 11/28
