Expansion of LANXESS Corporation's Maleic Anhydride Capacity on Track
March 28, 2006
PITTSBURGH -- LANXESS Corporation announced that an initiative to increase the rated annual capacity of its Baytown, Texas, maleic anhydride production unit is proceeding according to schedule.
The project, announced June 2005, calls for LANXESS to increase production capacity of maleic anhydride from 120 million pounds to 160 million pounds. According to Frank Lueckgen, head of LANXESS's U.S. Basic Chemicals Business Unit, the first phase of the debottlenecking project is complete and phase two is on track for completion by the end of 2006.
"We're pleased to report that our debottlenecking project is proceeding on schedule," said Lueckgen. "The additional capacity is important in that it not only enables LANXESS to meet our customers' demand for maleic anhydride today, but it also ensures we are able to meet their needs in the future."
Maleic anhydride is a versatile chemical intermediate that plays an important role in a number of applications. It is also a valuable component of LANXESS's broad portfolio of products and comprehensive services.
Maleic anhydride is an important building block in the manufacture of polyester and alkyd resins. These resins are added to fiberglass-reinforced plastics to make a strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant material that is found in boats, autos, trucks, pipelines, and electrical goods. Maleic anhydride is also used in agricultural chemicals, resins, dye intermediates, and pharmaceuticals.
About LANXESS
LANXESS Corporation was formed when the Bayer Group combined most of its chemical businesses and large segments of its polymer activities. The company began operating as a legal entity in the United States on July 1, 2004. LANXESS Corporation is a member of the German LANXESS-Group that was spun-off from Bayer in January 2005.
The LANXESS-Group manufactures high-quality products in the areas of chemicals, synthetic rubber and plastics. The companies’ portfolio comprises basic and fine chemicals, color pigments, plastics, fibers, synthetic rubber and rubber chemicals, leather, textile processing chemicals, paper chemicals, material protection products and water treatment products.
In 2004, LANXESS Corporation employed about 2,100 people in the United States.
This news release contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by LANXESS AG management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.
