BASF SE (Ludwigshafen, Germany; www.basf.com) has started engineering for a stepwise capacity increase of its methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) production facilities at the company’s Verbund site in Geismar, Louisiana. Capacity will be increased incrementally from 300,000 metric tons per year (m.t./yr) to around 600,000 m.t./yr.
“The engineering for the capacity increase of the MDI synthesis has already started. In subsequent steps, which will be implemented in alignment with business development, the MDI precursor units in Geismar will be expanded accordingly,” said Stefano Pigozzi, President of BASF’s Monomers division. “The usage of latest proprietary technologies will ensure best-in-class productivity and energy efficiency.”
Stefan Doerr, head of the regional business unit Monomers North America, added: “With this investment, BASF will support the growth of its North American customers. Our existing infrastructure at the Geismar site combined with the competitive raw materials based on shale gas make the Geismar site ideally suited for this investment. The experienced BASF team at the site will ensure smooth implementation of the project.”
MDI is an important component for polyurethanes – an extremely versatile plastics material. It contributes to improved insulation, provides lighter materials for cars, and helps save energy in buildings.