Thai MMA mulls cutting op rate to 80% on water shortage

17 June 2005 06:22  [Source: ICIS news]

SINGAPORE (CNI)--Thai MMA could cut the operating rate of its 90,000 tonne/year methyl methacrylate (MMA) unit at Rayong, Thailand to 80-90% of capacity due to a water shortage in the area, a company source said Friday.

 

Thailand is entering its rainy season but rainfalls at the reservoir area supplying water to Mab Ta Phut, where Thai MMA's plant is located, have been dismal. Petrochemical plants in the area could face production cuts if the water supply continued to drop.

 

As plants in the area have been asked by the government to reduce water consumption, Thai MMA was considering a two-four week halt in production in July, said the source. If that happens, the company will cut MMA sales in the spot market, he said.

 

Thai MMA, a joint venture between Cementhai and Japan's Mitsubishi Rayon Co, had a 10-day turnaround from 1 June. The unit is currently running at 100% of capacity.
By: Lee Chuen
+65 6780 4359

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