Kaneka Adds to Investment Plans for Texas, Awards Two E&C Contracts for Major Unit Additions

---

Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas). Kaneka Texas Corporation (Pasadena, Texas), part of the Kaneka Corporation (Osaka, Japan) family of companies, is making significant investments at its Pasadena, Texas, chemical plant that are expected to top $60 million in total investment value (TIV). Construction is planned to begin for at least two major projects this spring expanding capacity of resin and silicone additives.

In the fall of 2001, Industrial Info began tracking plans for a major unit addition labeled MSA, modified silicone additive. Engineering and construction for this nearly $40 million project has been awarded to Shimizu Corporation (Tokyo) who is preparing to begin construction as soon as May 2007. The second major unit addition planned for the Pasadena site this year is labeled the CU unit. This unit will produce resin additives used in the production of CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride). Gray Construction (Lexington, Kentucky) has been awarded the engineering and construction contract to build this new unit and plans to begin the erection of major long-lead items in the next couple of months.

These projects come as just the latest examples of Kaneka’s commitment to investments in the region. In the summer of 2006, Kaneka began commercial operation of a grassroot plant to produce COQ10 (coenzyme), a cGMP nutritional supplement. This new plant is also located in Pasadena. Plans to significantly expand this new plant are already being discussed. Construction for this estimated $25 million project could reach the construction stage by the summer 2008. Kaneka employs more than 250 people in Texas.

View Plant Profile - 1014971 1064161
View Project Report - 01008765 01011284 01010238

Industrial Info Resources (IIR) provides marketing communication services ranging from industrial database solutions to market forecasting, custom analytics, and specialty promotions that support high-level image campaigns.