Petrochemicals
Rhodia completes silica expansion at Illinois plant
Rhodia on Wednesday inaugurated its expansion of highly-dispersible silica production at its Chicago Heights site in Illinois, furthering its commitment to support the future growth of its customers. The expansion increases Rhodia’s North American capacity by 33%.
Dow, Saudi Aramco select Jacobs for engineering, construction of chemicals venture
Jacobs Engineering Group was awarded an engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contract for the Chemicals 1 Envelope of Sadara Chemical Co., the joint venture between Dow Chemical and Saudi Aramco. Construction work on the project has already started and is scheduled to be completed by early 2015.
BioAmber, Mitsui plot Canada biosuccinic acid plant
BioAmber and Mitsui & Co. have officially partnered in Canada to build and operate their previously-announced biosuccinic acid manufacturing facility in Sarnia, Ontario. BioAmber will be the majority shareholder in the plants.
Air Liquide starts up California air separation unit
Air Liquide has started up a new, energy-efficient air separation unit (ASU) at its facility in Rancho Cucamonga, California. The new ASU produces liquid oxygen and nitrogen for a range of industries, including healthcare, food and beverage, steel, glass, electronics, oil and gas, and chemicals.
Dow, Mitsui finalize Brazil biopolymers joint venture
Dow Chemical and Japan-based Mitsui & Co. have secured all necessary governmental regulatory approvals to complete the formation of their previously-announced 50-50 joint venture for biopolymers in Brazil. This represents the world’s largest biopolymers play and Dow’s largest investment in Brazil, a country in which Dow has operated successfully for more than 50 years.
DuPont says 2011 Asia-Pacific sales to grow 20% amid rising populations
DuPont’s East Asia president Carl J. Lukach told investors at the CLSA Asia Forum that his company is on track to generate approximately 20% sales growth this year in Asia Pacific, versus 2010 revenues of $7.3 billion. Lukach said new product and market innovations in China, India, Japan and ASEAN are driven by macro-economic factors and demographic shifts, especially a growing middle class in the region.
Sunoco completes sale of Ohio phenol complex
Haverhill Chemicals has completed its previously-announced $106.5 million acquisition of Sunoco’s phenol manufacturing facility in Haverhill, Ohio. The move comes as Sunoco is attempting to exit both the chemicals and refining businesses, with a new focus on fuel retail and logistics.
Heraeus opens Asia photovoltaics hub in Singapore
Heraeus, a world leader in developing front and back-side silver pastes for crystalline solar cells, on Friday hosted the grand opening for its Asian photovoltaics center in Singapore. The center will be Heraeus’ latest full-service facility complete with research and development, manufacturing, sales and technical service capabilities, the company said.
SABIC chief meets Chinese delegations, notes high commitment to China ops
Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC) hosted senior Chinese official He Lifeng – vice party secretary of the Tianjin city government – on Friday at its headquarters in Riyadh, offering what the company said was a strong sign of support for its growing business profile in China.
American Chemical Society picks Dow researcher for international award in agrochemicals
Dow AgroSciences researcher Thomas Sparks has been named the 2012 International Award for research in agrochemicals by the agrochemical division of the American Chemical Society.
- 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
