German-based global styrenic products manufacturer Styrolution GmbH has announced plans to open a production line for alpha methyl styrene acrylonitrile (AMSAN) — specialty styrenic feedstock — in Mexico.
The company's site in Altamira will produce acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) products with the AMSAN manufactured at the facility. Currently, the feedstock is being imported from Germany. According to Styrolution the production line is expected to be operational in the second quarter of 2014. No financial details of the project were announced.
The production line will open up new opportunities for the company to expand its product offering and will enhance its position on both the North and South American markets and across key industries like construction and automotive.
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When AMSAN is added to products their heat resistance is improved significantly, Styrolution explained. For example, AMSAN is often added to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as a heat resistance modifier in the building and construction industries for producing siding, decking and fencing.
Alexander Glueck, president of Styrolution, Americas, commented that the new production line will enable the company to provide better service to its customers but also to build on its market share in the Americas region.
Recently, Styrolution announced plans to participate in a joint venture with Brazilian petrochemical giant Braskem on a project for an ABS and styrene acrylonitrile facility with a capacity of 100,000 tons per year.
