Jun 20 2006
Global flame retardant leader Albemarle Corporation will build a new phosphorus-based flame retardant manufacturing facility at its technology and business center in Nanjing, China. Products from the new plant, which is expected to be fully operational in the second half of 2007, will help meet growing global demand for fire-resistant polymer systems and resins for construction and electronics materials.
From its new plant, Albemarle will supply phosphorus flame retardants for rigid and flexible polyurethane foams used in insulation and for resin blends such as PC/ABS and PPE/HIPS, used in electronic enclosures. The products, which will be marketed worldwide, are expected to help meet strong demand particularly in Asia, where construction and electronics markets are thriving.
"We are expanding our operations for an expanding market," said Luc van Muylem, Albemarle Division Vice President of Flame Retardants, about the new facility. "We are already helping the Asian plastics market meet its growth potential through advanced local customer technical service from our Nanjing site, primarily for construction and furniture markets, and will soon do the same for electronics plastics makers."
Albemarle began construction of its wholly owned Nanjing technology and business development center in December 2005. Some business and technical service work is already conducted from the site, and the center is expected to be fully operational in the third quarter of 2006. The center will provide technical support for Albemarle's polymer additives and polymer catalysts customers in the Asia Pacific region, as well as research to expand additive applications.
"This manufacturing investment is another step in the development of our new Nanjing site, and further strengthens Albemarle's flame retardant leadership position, especially in the rapidly growing Asia Pacific market," said John Dabkowski, Albemarle Vice President of Polymer Additives.
Albemarle's patents and market position in brominated, mineral and phosphorus flame retardant technologies, and its commitment to consumer fire safety advocacy and product stewardship make Albemarle the world leader in flame retardant solutions for polymers. The company's products help prevent fire in or improve the fire safety of materials found in circuit boards, connectors and enclosures for electronic and electrical devices; comfort foam in furniture and automobiles; wire & cable; and roofing, rigid insulation foam, adhesives, coatings and other construction materials.