Huntsman expands global PEA capacity

The Performance Products division of Huntsman Corporation announced plans to boost its global polyetheramines (PEA) capacity by a minimum of 15 percent as a result of debottlenecking three of its PEA manufacturing plants globally. The financial investment and capacity was not disclosed.

Expansion is currently underway in the Americas, Europe and Asia. The company expects projects at its Conroe, Texas (USA), Llanelli, Wales (United Kingdom) and Singapore sites to be fully operational by May 2014.

Stu Monteith, President of Huntsman’s Performance Products division said: “In addition to an increase in capacity, these debottlenecking projects will enhance Huntsman’s manufacturing flexibility globally.”  He added: “No disruptions in production are expected during this period.”

Polyetheramines improve the performance of epoxy systems that are used in industrial and decorative coatings and sports equipment such as tennis racquets, skis and hockey sticks. With new amine applications emerging all the time, Huntsman is forecasting significant mid-term growth in the sector.

The Performance Products division of Huntsman is a leading global producer of intermediate chemistries and technologies based on amines, surfactants, carbonates and maleic anhydride.