Mexico Alpek shuts EPS plant to complete expansion

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Mexico-based producer Alpek is in the midst of a shutdown to complete the expansion of its expandable polystyrene (EPS) plant in Altamira, the company’s general director said on Tuesday.

During the shutdown, Alpek will interconnect the expansion, which will add 75,000 tonnes/year of capacity to the company’s operations in Altamira, said Jose de Jesus Valdez. He made his comments during an earnings conference call.

Commercial start up should take place in November, Valdez said.

When the expansion project was announced in October 2015, the plant’s capacity was 165,000 tonnes/year, according to ICIS.

Regarding other projects, Alpek has completed the construction of two propylene storage-spheres, Valdez said. The company is now proceeding to the commissioning and start-up phases.

Alpek also make polypropylene (PP) as well as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Alpek is part of the Mexican conglomerate Grupo Alfa.

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