Japan's MEP shuts Kashima PC plant on mechanical problems

30 July 2010 03:26  [Source: ICIS news]

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Mitsubishi Engineering Plastics (MEP) shut its 110,000 tonne/year polycarbonate (PC) plant in Kashima, Japan, early this week due to unspecified mechanical problems, sources said late on Thursday.

The shutdown was expected to last for two to three months, they said.

The company could not be reached for comment.

MEP runs another 60,000 tonne/year PC plant at Kurosaki, which was running at normal rates, sources said.

The unexpected shutdown may not affect prices much as supply remained adequate, with most regional PC plants running at high rates due to lucrative margins.

Asian PC spot prices fell for a third straight week, shedding $50/tonne (€38.5/tonne) to $3,000-3,100/tonne CIF (cost, insurance and freight) Hong Kong on 28 July as sellers slashed prices amid mounting inventory pressure, according to ICIS.

PC resins are tough thermoplastics, with major downstream applications in the electrical and electronic sectors such as computer and business equipment. Other uses include safety helmets and shields, housing components, household appliances, sporting goods, and aircraft and missile components.

($1 = €0.77)

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By: Liu Xin
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