Phenolchemie in Asian plant build

30 September 1996 00:00  [Source: ICB]

Phenolchemie is to build a worldscale phenol plant in Southeast Asia by 2000. Director of sales and raw materials Rainer Tag confirmed that a feasibility study into the development of the new plant had been completed, with the company in the final stages of site selection.

While Malaysia had been tipped as the likely site for the plant, it was not the only place under consideration.

Tag said the start of construction depended on the development of new bisphenol A and MMA projects in the area, by Phenolchemie's global customers.

However, possible partners planning these projects with shorter timetables may push the phenol project ahead faster. A time-frame of between 1998-2000 has been envisaged.

Proprietary technology will be employed at the new plant, with the company planning to transfer its Antwerp plant design to Southeast Asia. A more favourable investment climate in Southeast Asia will see the total investment significantly lower than that in Antwerp.

The study follows the move in June by Phenolchemie to lease a 15 000 tonne/year storage tank at Pasir Gudang, Malaysia, from Mitsui Toatsu, and the sale of phenol to local customers.

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