Invista has started construction of new hexamethylene diamine (HMD) and nylon 6,6 polymer plants at the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park (SCIP) in China. These facilities mark a key milestone in the company’s plans for integrated nylon 6,6 facilities in Chinese market.

More than 300 people attended the ceremony, including senior government officials from SCIP, the Jinshan government and related authorities, local customers, Invista leadership and employees.

“China is one of the most important regions for our growth strategy,” said Jeff Gentry, Invista’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We have seen significant growth in the region in recent years, and we plan to continue to bring our latest innovative technologies here.”

Largest investment

The 215,000-ton HMD plant and the 150,000-ton polymer plant are expected to start up in 2015. Invista has already received several government permits. Most recently, the Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau granted Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval for the polymer facility.

In addition to the HMD and polymer plants, Invista has plans for a future 300,000-ton adiponitrile (ADN) facility. According to the company, once completed, Invista’s new facilities will be among the most energy-efficient nylon intermediates sites in the world and will employ Invista’s most advanced technologies for ADN, HMD and polymer production.

The overall investment in these plants will exceed US$1 billion, which will be the largest capital investment undertaken by Invista to date.

Driving nylon demand growth

Warren Primeaux, president of Invista Intermediates, commented: “We believe that China is driving global nylon demand growth, and the use of nylon 6,6 intermediates and polymer in the region will be increasing.”

“The new facilities will enable Invista to provide customers with better service, shorter lead time and a local resource for production. We are excited to continue supporting the increasing regional demand for durable goods—products that can be enhanced by the use of nylon 6,6.”

HMD, ADN and nylon 6,6 polymer are materials used in the production of nylon 6,6 fibres and polymers that ultimately become part of air bags, automobile parts, carpet, workout apparel, outdoor equipment and more.

Invista

With leading brands including Lycra, Coolmax, Cordura, Stainmaster and Antron, Invista is one of the largest integrated producers of chemical intermediates, polymers and fibres.

The company’s advantaged technologies for nylon, spandex and polyester are used to produce clothing, carpet, car parts and countless other everyday products. Headquartered in the US, Invista operates in more than 20 countries.

www.invista.com