INEOS Styrolution to raise ABS capacity in Mexico plant

INEOS Styrolution is expanding its plant in Altamira, Mexico, to meet demand for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA). The expansion of 20,000 tonnes will raise the site’s overall copolymer production capacity to 180,000 tonnes. (Source: INEOS Styrolution)

HOUSTON (ICIS)–INEOS Styrolution, a joint venture (JV) of Switzerland-based INEOS and Styrolution, is debottlenecking its copolymer plant in Altamira, Mexico, increasing capacity by 20,000 tonnes, the company said Tuesday.

The plant produces acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA) resins. INEOS Styrolution estimates the expansion will increase the plant’s total capacity to approximately 180,000 tonnes.

The company noted the increase is needed to support growing automotive, construction, household and leisure market demand in the Americas.

In addition to the increase in capacity, INEOS Styrolution predicts the debottlenecking will lead to a reduction of imports.

After the debottlenecking is complete, startup is expected by the first quarter of 2018.

ABS is used in appliances, consumer electronics, toys, automobiles and construction.

INEOS Styrolution is among five North American ABS producers. Others include A Schulman, INEOS ABS, SABIC Innovative Plastics and Trinseo.