US Huntsman to build MDI splitter in Geismar, Louisiana

HOUSTON (ICIS)–US-based Huntsman plans to build a methylene diphenyl diisocycanate (MDI) splitter at its complex in Geismar, Louisiana, the company’s CEO said on Tuesday.

Isocyanates are used to make spray polyurethane foam. Photo by Al Greenwood

Construction should start in the first half of this year, and the company should complete it in the first half of 2021, said Peter Huntsman, CEO. He made his comments during an earnings conference call.

The cost of the project should be $125m, he said. Huntsman did not discuss any capacity or throughput figures.

The technology of the new splitter will be similar to that found at the company’s recent units in Europe and Asia, Huntsman said.

The new splitter will allow Huntsman to expand margins in its North American business, he said. While the splitter will not expand the company’s total capacity, it will expand its range of products.