BASF eyes 2012 for Chongqing MDI production

15 April 2008 05:19  [Source: ICIS news]

SINGAPORE (ICIS news)--BASF and Chongqing Chemical and Pharmaceutical Holding Co plan to start commercial production at their world-scale crude methyl di-p-phenylene isocyanate (MDI) project in China in 2012, a spokeswoman from the German chemical major said on Tuesday.

The companies had submitted a feasibility study on the 400,000 tonnes/year project at Changshou Chemical Industry Park to the Chongqing Development Reform Commission in late March for approval, she said, adding that they would submit the environmental impact assessment to the authorities shortly.

The Chongqing project would be BASF’s second MDI joint venture in China after the 240,000 tonnes/year unit at Shanghai Lianheng Isocyanates.

Local media reports said the companies would start construction in June for the $4bn (€2.52bn) project and it would start up towards the end of 2011.

However, BASF said it would confirm Chongqing as the location for its new MDI plant once they received the approvals from the government and support from local partners.

“At this stage, it is too early to say when all the approvals will be given and final decision will be taken,” the spokeswoman said.

“It generally takes three years to build a plant of this size at a new site.”

In June last year, BASF and Chongqing Chemical and Pharmaceutical signed a memorandum of cooperation to study the project which would meet growing market demand in China.

($1 =€0.63)

By: Florence Tan
+65 6780 4359

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