Evonik’s new polyamide 12 line is planned to be built in Singapore by 2014 to increase the availability of this specialty plastic.Following the initial announcement in 2011, the basic planning for the construction of a 20,000 mt plant for the production of the specialty plastic polyamide 12 (PA12) in Asia is now entering the final phase. Subject to the approval of the relevant bodies, the new plant will be built in Singapore and is scheduled to be completed by 2014. Adding to the capacity of the existing facility in Europe, this second production plant for PA12 in Singapore is designed to substantially increase the availability of the product and its guaranteed delivery. It will also bring Evonik even closer to its customers in Asia’s fast-growing markets.
Ever since the fire at a plant that manufactures CDT, a precursor of PA12, in Marl Chemical Park at the end of March 2012, Evonik has continued to press ahead with its plans to build the PA12 plant in Singapore. Gregor Hetzke, head of Performance Polymers Business Unit of Evonik, confirms: "Our goal in significantly expanding our capacity is to consolidate our leading position for polyamide 12 in the long term."
PA12 is used in innovative, high-quality products in the automotive sector, electrics and electronics, household equipment, sports equipment as well as in manufacturing industry. Together with some of its customers, Evonik has also developed new PA12-based applications for oil and gas production as well as for the solar industry. Evonik markets PA12 as a construction material under the Vestamid brand name and as a coating powder under the name Vestosint.
The damaged CDT plant in Marl is currently being repaired and, according to current planning, is expected to recommence operations in the fourth quarter of 2012. Afterwards, Evonik’s entire PA12 capacity will be available once more.
