Arkema Performs Studies for PMMA Plant Expansion in Kentucky

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Researched by Industrialinfo.com (Industrial Information Resources, Incorporated; Houston, Texas). Arkema Incorporated (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), is studying options for major process changes and expansion of its polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) acrylic resin plant in Louisville, Kentucky, which operates under the name Atoglas. Planning has just begun for this estimated $59 million project and Arkema is evaluating more than one site in the United States for this expansion.

Current plans for the Louisville site include a complete overhaul of major portions of the existing plant, with an estimated total investment value (TIV) of $59 million, to increase the production capacity of acrylic resins. This expenditure will include the installation of new production equipment where necessary, while also completing major retrofits of existing production areas. Pending completion of design and subsequent AFE approval, construction is expected to begin by the end of 2005 and be complete in late 2006.

Atoglas recently completed a 40,000 ton polymethyl methacrylate resin expansion in Jinhae, South Korea, in an effort to remain competitive with the steadily increasing acrylic resin market in Asia. The new capacity is expected to be available this month. Atoglas produces not only acrylic resins, but also acrylic molding and extrusion resins, along with acrylic sheet, under the trademark name Plexiglas®. These products are used in the production of automotive parts, lighting applications, and medical equipment to name a few, with versatility and durability to weather the storm. Atoglas provides its products to the North American, Latin American, Asian, European, and African markets.

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