Celanese strengthens Asian presence with integrated chemical complex in Nanjing

Earlier this week on Wednesday 19 September, hybrid chemicals company Celanese Corporation formally inaugurated its integrated chemical complex in Nanjing, incorporating six plants with Celanese''s technologies and environmental and safety standards.

Dallas-based Celanese Corporation, with net sales of $6.7 billion in 2006, of which approximately 60 per cent were generated outside North America, is a leading global producer of value-added industrial chemicals, including acetyl products (acetic acid, vinyl acetate monomer, polyacetal products) and high-performance engineered polymers.

Its products, found in consumer and industrial applications, are manufactured in North America, Europe and Asia.

The inauguration marks a major milestone for company''s operations in China and Asia, with the company having celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Singapore operations, where Celanese manufactures acetyl products such as acetic acid and vinyl acetate monomer for the broader Asia region.

Also during the week, the company celebrated its 20-year-old acetate joint venture at Nantong Cellulose Fibres Company. The joint venture has grown to include other manufacturing sites in Kunming, Zhuhai and Bazhou. As the first Celanese entry into the China market, the joint venture represents the significant and successful foundation for the company''s current and future expansion in China.

The Nanjing complex will further enhance Celanese''s capabilities to better meet the growing needs of its customers in a number of industries across Asia. The acetic acid facility has been running at full production rates since June 2007 and production of vinyl acetate emulsions is set to commence in October. Operations for the four other plants will begin throughout 2008.