The new SAMAC production plant for MMA and PMMA
Mitsubishi Chemical Corp. (MCC; Tokyo; www.m-chemical.co.jp) announced that The Saudi Methacrylates Company (SAMAC), a 50-50 joint venture between MCC and Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (Sabic; Riyadh; www.sabic.com), has successfully completed performance test of its plants for the production of methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in Saudi Arabia and commenced commercial operation of both plants on April 2nd, 2018. The JV will manufacture 250,000 metric tons per year (m.t./yr) of MMA monomer, and 40,000 m.t./yr of PMMA.
SAMAC commenced test production and achieved on-specification production of both MMA monomer and PMMA last November, after which first shipment of MMA to customers was made. It has been in the process of optimizing operations since then.
SAMAC’s manufacturing facilities in Jubail, Saudi Arabia include the world’s largest MMA monomer plant which uses MCC’s proprietary New Ethylene Method (Alpha Technology) for producing MMA monomer. The PMMA plant uses MCC Group’s proprietary PMMA technology and MMA monomer as the key raw material.
Global demand for MMA monomer is expected to keep growing steadily with the growth of the world economy. MCC will utilize SAMAC as a strategic supply base for markets in Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa.