ATOFINA

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Chemicals operations 新体制

Elf Atochem North America,
which was formed at the end of 1989 through the merger of Atochem, Inc., M&T Chemicals, Inc., and Pennwalt Corporation.
From 1989 to the end of 1991 the company was known as Atochem North America, Inc.
From 1992 to 2000 it was known as Elf Atochem North America, Inc.
2000/12　ATOFINA Chemicals Organizes Elf Atochem Agrichemicals as Independent Subsidiary to be Named Cerexagri

Atochem, Inc., a manufacturer of industrial and specialty chemicals, was formed in 1984 as the U.S. chemicals unit of Elf Aquitaine, one of the world's top 10 oil and gas companies.
M&T Chemicals was founded in 1908 as Goldschmidt Detinning Company and became Metals and Thermit Corporation in 1918.
Pennwalt, a publicly-held chemical manufacturer, was started by an enterprising group of Quaker businessmen in 1850 as the Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Company（Pennsalt）, producing lye and other alkaline salts from natural salts.

2000/3　Nippon Soda - Elf Atochem North America Form NISSO TM LLC
2005/9　日本曹達とCerexagri、販売会社Cerexagri-Nisso LLC　設立

Chemicals operations cover five different sectors:
http://www.total.com/en/group/activities/chemicals/chemicals_830.htm　

Chemical 部門　2004/10再編

石油化学 Total Petrochemical

Chemical Intermediates
Plastics Arkema

肥料 Grande　Paroisse

Specialties resins Cray Valley

Sartomer

Adhesives Bostik

Electroplating Atotech

Elastomer Hutchinson

　→　 2010/12/7
Arkema announces a project to acquire
the Coatings Resins (Cray Valley and Cook Composite Polymers) and
Photocure Resins (Sartomer) businesses of Total's Specialty Chemicals
activities for a Euro 550M enterprise value.

Cook Composite Polymers was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Cook Composites and Polymers Co. operates as a subsidiary of Total SA.

- Petrochemicals, which encompasses base petrochemicals―olefins (ethylene, propylene, styrene) and aromatics (benzene, toluene, xylene)―and the commodity polymers derived from them (polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, elastomers). Total Petrochemicals has operations in Europe, the United States, the Middle East and Asia. Its products are used in a wide range of domestic and industrial applications, including packaging, construction and automobiles.

- Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals and Performance Products　 (Arkema), which include fluorochemicals, oxygenated compounds, thiochemicals, acrylics and PMMA, and technical and functional polymers, and supply a broad array of markets, such as construction, automobiles, cosmetics, and paper. Arkema is a decentralized unit that will eventually be spun off.

2012/7/3　 Arkema はPVC関連事業をKlesch groupに売却、新会社はKEM ONE

- Fertilizers, which consist of Grande Paroisse and its subsidiaries and Belgium-based Engrais Rosier. Grande Paroisse’s core competency is nitrogen chemistry.

- Specialties, which comprise resins (Cray Valley and Sartomer), adhesives (Bostik), and electroplating (Atotech).
　　Cray Valley

Part of TOTAL's chemicals branch , the Resins business is known as COOK COMPOSITES & POLYMERS in the United States and as CRAY VALLEY in the rest of the world .

CRAY VALLEY develops high-technology resins and additives for the coatings industry-paints, inks, varnishes, adhesives and polyester resins and gel coats for the composites industry.

　　Sartomer　　当初ARCO

Sartomer Company is the premier global supplier of acrylate/methacrylate monomers, oligomers, photoinitiators, hydrocarbon resins, hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene resins (HTPB), functionalized polybutadiene resins, styrene maleic anhydride resins and other specialty chemicals

　　Bostik

Bostik is a company with a long and rich history. It was founded as the Boston Blacking Co. in Chelsea Massachusetts in 1889. It has its origins in the shoe industry and shoe adhesives. It was taken over by USM (United Shoe Machinery) in 1929 and was developed on a global scale, focusing on the shoe industry until the 1950's when the company embarked on international expansion and diversification.
In 1990, Bostik was purchased by TOTAL, the French petroleum oil company, which carried on growing Bostik by merging it with its own adhesives affiliates, and through a steady acquisition policy which gradually brought Bostik among the leading players.

　　Atotech

Atotech is one of the world's leading suppliers of integrated production systems, chemistry and equipment for decorative and functional electroplating, semiconductor and printed circuit board manufacturing.

- Elastomer processing (Hutchinson).

Hutchinson is world market leader in rubber products on each of its three markets : automotive, industry and consumer products is part of the Chemical Branch of the Group.

A global chemical player, Arkema consists of 3 coherent and related business segments: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. Present in over 40 countries with 17,000 employees, Arkema achieves sales of 5.7billion euros. With its 6 research centers in France, the United States and Japan, and internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in its principal markets.

概要　

ATOFINA is the chemical branch of the TotalFinaElf group. It was formally established in April 2000 from the merged petrochemicals and chemicals activities developed by Total, Petrofina and Elf Aquitaine (Elf Atochem) before two consecutive mergers, in 1998 and in 1999, led to the creation of TotalFinaElf, the world's fourth largest oil company and fifth largest chemical company.

Petrochemicals and commodity polymers

The efficiency of ATOFINA turns on the use of 5 large, integrated platforms within Europe :

ー 4 in France : Gonfreville (Normandy), Carling (Moselle), Feyzin-Balan (Ain) and Lavera-La Mede (Bouches-du-Rhone)
ー 1 in Belgium : Antwerp.

　　BASIC PETROCHEMICALS

Products ：Ethylene、Propylene、Butadiene、Benzene、Toluene、Xylene
Resources：
　ATOFINA operates one of the most powerful production facilities in Europe:

　　7 steamcrackers (ethylene, propylene):

・Carling, an industrial base supplying northern Europe,
・Anvers, jointly with Exxon,
・Feyzin, in association with Solvay,
・Gonfreville, on the English Channel,
・Lacq, in partnership with Elf Aquitaine Exploration-Production France,
・Lavera on the Mediterranean, in association with BP Chemicals,
・Umm Said (Qatar) in partnership with the State of Qatar and Enichem

　　2 refining propylene purification plants:

・Donges on the Atlantic, a joint venture with Elf Antar France,
・Feyzin, at the heart of the Rhone-Alpes region chemical centre.

　　POLYOLEFINS

Products：Polyethylene、Low content ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers、Polypropylene、
　　　　　　　Converted polyethylene

　　CVM, PVC AND CONVERTING

Products：VCM (vinyl chloride monomer)、General purpose PVC and special PVC、
　　　　　　　Chlorinated PVC

Resources：

With total production capacities of 740,000 tpa, ATOFINA is n° 1 producer in France and n° 1 in Europe for PVC.
In order to weather the current crisis in the general purpose PVC sector in Europe, the Company has secured the means to consolidate its competitiveness significantly, by combining 3 initiatives:

the consolidation of its downstream PVC activities, with the acquisition of Italy's 2nd largest compounder, IGS. ATOFINA's PVC benefits from a very sound integration, upstream in the chlorine/ethylene sector, and downstream with its pipes, profiles and compounds operations. The acquisition of IGS has strengthened the compounds activities

the reduction of transport logistics costs by using river-sea barges on the Rhone river from the Mediterranean to the Lyon area

the recentring of its PVC production on its Balan and Saint-Fons sites by the year 2000.

In addition, ATOFINA continues to play an active role in the progression and recovery of materials. The Company is currently studying the feasibility of recycling PVC waste from building sites, to replace the recycling of PVC mineral water bottles, which are now being phased out.
As part of the Autovinyle association created in January 1997, ATOFINA also takes part in the recycling of automotive PVC shredder lights as well as PVC parts from end-of-life vehicles.

　　Vinyl Thermoplastics

Products ：Plasticised PVC compounds、Rigid PVC compounds、
　　　　　　　Thermoplastic elastomers、Special vinyl compounds

Resources

As Europe's leading producer of vinyl compounds with production capacities exceeding 280,000 tonnes (including 230,000 tpa for NakanR thermoplastics), ATOFINA benefits from outstanding industrial coverage throughout Europe, operating in six countries and therefore in a position to meet its customers' requirements in terms of service.
Its comprehensive product range, in particular its speciality vinyl compounds, allows ATOFINA to stand out from its competitors in terms of offer.

　　PVC Pipes and Connections, PVC Profiles

　　STYRENE, POLYSTYRENE, ELASTOMERS

Products： Ethylbenzene、Styrene、Crystal and impact polystyrene and compounds

　　FERTILISERS

　　Nitrogen and Compound Fertilisers

HISTORY　
ATOFINA combines the strengths of Elf Atochem and TOTALFINA's chemical activities.
　　　http://www.atofina.com/groupe/gb/f_elf_2.cfm

Elf Atochem

TOTALFINA

PetroFina

Cray Valley

HutchinsonI

Bostik

SigmaKalon

October 2001

ATOFINA increases its polypropylene capacities in Europe
　　　　http://www.atofina.com/groupe/gb/actuComm/d_detail.cfm?IdComm=5021

ATOFINA will boast overall polypropylene production capacities of 2.1 million tpa.

The Feluy and Gonfreville L’Orcher capacity extensions are consolidating ATOFINA's presence in Europe, and will mean a virtually equal split of its world capacities between this region and the United States:
- 1.1 million tpa in Europe, including 800,000 tpa in Feluy, 200,000 tpa in Gonfreville L’Orcher, and 135,000 tpa in Lavera (France),
- 1 million tpa in the United States in La Porte, Texas.

The new 380,000 tpa Feluy plant uses the Spheripol® technology.

2002/6/5 Platts

Atofina inaugurates new PP Belgium unit

The new 380,000 mt/yr unit is the world's largest and takes total PP production capacity at the site to 800,000 mt/yr.
designed to deploy the metallocene catalyst technology developed by the Atofina Research laboratories

　

April 3, 2003 ATOFINA

ATOFINA increases capacity at its Antwerp polyethylene plant in Belgium
　　　　http://www.atofina.com/groupe/gb/actuComm/d_detail.cfm?IdComm=9841

ATOFINA inaugurated on 3rd April 2003, new industrial facilities for increased Polyethylene (HDPE) production at its Antwerp plant in Belgium. The 160,000 tpa increase brings the site's overall capacity up to 510,000 tpa, and consolidates ATOFINA's position as a producer of specialized Polyethylene grades.

2003/2/25 Atofina

Atofina announces plans to expand styrene monomer facility in Carville (USA)
　　　　http://www.atofina.com/groupe/gb/actuComm/d_detail.cfm?IdComm=9402

Atofina announced plans to modernize and expand its joint venture Cos-Mar Styrene Monomer facility located near Carville, Louisiana. This project will increase styrene capacity from 900,000 tons per year to 1,150,000 tons per year. Completion is planned for third quarter 2004.

Cos-Mar is a 50/50 joint venture between Atofina Petrochemicals, Inc. and General Electric Petrochemicals.

December 2000 ATOFINA

ATOFINA builds new polystyrene compounding plant in Thailand for the teletronics market
　　　http://www.atofina.com/groupe/gb/actuComm/d_detail.cfm?IdActu=2546

ATOFINA is investing in a new 12,000 tpa polystyrene compounding plant near Bangkok in Thailand, at a cost amounting to Euro 4 M.

The new plant allows ATOFINA to consolidate the existing 13,000 tpa polystyrene compounding capacity of its Singapore site in line with its customers' development.

Platts 2003/8/20

France's Atofina defers China, Singapore PS expansions to 2006

France's Atofina plans to defer its polystyrene expansions in China and Singapore by two years to 2006.

February 19, 2004 Atofina

Proposed reorgainization of Total's chemicals branch
Proposed creation of a new Chlorochemicals, Intermediates and Performance Products Organization
http://www.total.com/ho/en/library/press/2004/pr3.htm

In the light of this situation, the Group is studying a reorganization of its Chemicals Branch which would entail lighter functional organizations as well as the creation, alongside Petrochemicals and Specialties, of a decentralised organization consolidating the Chlorochemicals, Intermediates and Performance Products assets.

Petrochemicals continue to implement synergies with Refining, and should speed up their expansion in Asia.
Specialties demonstrate their ability to maintain a satisfactory performance, despite an increasingly harsh environment.
With sales of some Eruo 5 billion in 2003, the Chlorochemicals, Intermediates and Performance Products business includes thirteen activities in which Atofina holds leading positions in Europe and, in some cases, in the World. This is the case of Thiochemicals (World leader), Fluorochemicals and Oxygenated Products (N°2 and 3 respectively in the World), Acrylics and PMMA (N°3 in the World), and Engineering Polymers (N°3 in the World).

Dow Jones April 8, 2004

Total Sees Third Of Chem Business As Stand-Alone By Oct 1
http://www.atofina.com/groupe/gb/f_elf_2.cfm

Atofina, the chemicals division of French oil major Total S.A. (TOT), Wednesday said it plans to have a third of its business legally set up as a stand-alone company by Oct. 1.

Bernard Boyer, who is in charge of Atofina's strategy, acquisitions and divestitures, also said Total targets a spin off the company - comprising the chlorochemicals, intermediates and performance products units - in two or three years.

Platts　2004/10/4 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Release

Atofina renamed Total Petrochemicals; CIP renamed Arkema

Atofina, the Belgian subsidiary of Petrofina, was renamed Total Petrochemicals Monday, while the company's Chemical Intermediates Plastics divison will now be called Arkema, company sources said.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ic/110/110697.html

ATOFINA is a subsidiary of energy group TOTAL, which plans to change ATOFINA Petrochemicals' name to TOTAL Petrochemicals as of October 1, 2004. The name change reflects a larger move by TOTAL, in which it plans to separate its other chemicals activities from the petrochemicals business.

Total 2004/10/4

Creation of Arkema and Total’s New Chemicals Business Organization
http://www.total.com/en/press/press_releases/pr_2004/041004_arkema_5568.htm

In line with the February 19 announcement, on October 1 Total put in place a new organization for its Chemicals business, marked by the creation of a new legal entity, Arkema.

The Chemicals Division, headed by Francois Cornelis, now consists of three business units:

・Total Petrochemicals, covering all petrochemical operations and fertilizers;
・Specialties, combining Hutchinson (rubber processing), Bostik (adhesives),
　Cray Valley and Sartomer (resins), Atotech (electroplating);
・Arkema, a new unit destined to be independent, encompassing Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals
　and Performance Products.

“Headed by Thierry Le Henaff, Arkema is intended to become a competitive, independent operator by 2006*, able to take part in chemical industry consolidation in its areas of business. The new unit will take advantage of its remaining time with Total to enhance its performance while putting in place the organization necessary for an independent company. The creation of Arkema is a major milestone in Total’s Chemicals business reorganization, which is designed to streamline corporate structures and provide Arkema with the resources needed to become more independent, closer to customers and more responsive in its decision-making processes,” said Thierry Desmarest, Chairman and CEO of Total.

* depending on market conditions and after informing/consulting with labor representavies

Total　2004/2/19

Proposed reorganization of Total's chemicals branch
Proposed creation of a new chlorochemicals, intermediates and performance products organization
http://www.total.com/en/press/press_releases/pr_2004/040225_Chemicals_4701.htm

Like Europe's other chemical actors, Total's Chemicals branch is facing a difficult environment. It has to contend with acute competition in a climate of weak demand, high energy and raw materials costs, and a major depreciation of the dollar relative to the euro.

In the light of this situation, the Group is studying a reorganization of its Chemicals Branch which would entail lighter functional organizations as well as the creation, alongside Petrochemicals and Specialties, of a decentralised organization consolidating the Chlorochemicals, Intermediates and Performance Products assets.

This new organization will be in a position to adapt to market trends with more flexibility through a structure which is closer to its customers and more reactive in its decision-making processes, and which relies on coherent industrial activities. It will be run by Thierry Le Henaff (*), and will enjoy significant operational autonomy.

The performance of these businesses is affected by the current economic climate in Europe, and, accordingly, the new company's priority will be to improve results. On the strength of these improvements, it will pursue its development, in particular in Asia.

The new company will aim to become a competitive and independent actor. With a sound financial structure, it will have the opportunity to play an active role in the consolidation of the chemical industry.

Petrochemicals continue to implement synergies with Refining, and should speed up their expansion in Asia.

Specialties demonstrate their ability to maintain a satisfactory performance, despite an increasingly harsh environment.

With sales of some Euro 5 billion in 2003, the Chlorochemicals, Intermediates and Performance Products business includes thirteen activities in which Atofina holds leading positions in Europe and, in some cases, in the World. This is the case of Thiochemicals (World leader), Fluorochemicals and Oxygenated Products (N° 2 and 3 respectively in the World), Acrylics and PMMA (N° 3 in the World), and Engineering Polymers (N° 3 in the World).

(*) 40 year old Thierry Le Henaff is a graduate of the Ecole Polytechnique and of Ponts et Chaussees; he also holds an MBA from Stanford University (USA). After beginning his career with Peat Marwick Consultants, he joined Total's Adhesives Division in 1992 where he held a number of management positions throughout the world. In July 2001, he became Chairman and Managing Director of Bostik Findley, the new group created from the merged Adhesives businesses of Total and Elf Atochem.

On January 1, 2003, he became a member of the Executive Committee of Atofina (the Chemicals Branch of the Total Group), in charge of three Divisions: Agrochemicals, Fertilisers and Thiochemicals. He also oversees International Affairs, Purchasing and Research.

The proposal has been presented to employee representatives.

2005/1/27 Arkema

Arkema presents a Draft Consolidation Plan
to secure the long-term future of its Vinyl Products Business Segment
http://www.arkemagroup.com/arkema/gb/Comm/d_detail.cfm?IdComm=1242

2004/10
Total put in place a new organization for its Chemicals business, marked by the creation of a new legal entity, Arkema, encompassing Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals and Performance Products.

Arkema confirms its wish to remain a leading European player in the activities covered by its Vinyl Products business segment, and today presented the Central Works Council with a draft consolidation plan to secure its long-term competitiveness and ability to ride out the economic climate. The plan entails no plant closure and no redundancies, and is backed by a Euro 300 M capital expenditure programme over 5 years.

The Vinyl Products business segment - Chlorochemicals, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), Vinyl Compounds, and Pipe and Profile Converting - accounts for 27 % of Arkema's turnover, achieved to a large extent in the European market.
With its overcapacity and acute competition, this market is also characterised by very clear economic cycles and an ongoing erosion of margins over many years.

Saint-Auban (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence): specialisation of the site around its strong points and closure of activities making significant losses
Saint-Fons (Rhone): recentring on PVC production
Balan (Ain): modernisation of PVC production plants
Jarrie (Isere): restoration of the site's competitiveness
Fos-sur-Mer, Lavera, Berre (Bouches-du-Rhone): increase in production capacities
Pierre-Benite (Rhone): improvement of WACR production process

2007/12/7 UOP

UOP LLC and Total Petrochemicals to Integrate Methanol-to-Olefins and Olefin Cracking Processes
Demonstration plant in Belgium to come on stream in 2007
http://www.uop.com/pr/releases/Total%20MTO.pdf

UOP LLC, a subsidiary of Honeywell, and Total Petrochemicals announced today they have signed agreements for a joint development program to integrate technology aimed at increasing the production of light olefins, the basic chemical building blocks for many commonly used plastic products.
Under the agreements, Total Petrochemicals will construct a demonstration plant at its petrochemicals complex in Feluy, Belgium. The demonstration plant will consist of a UOP/HYDRO methanol-to-olefin (MTO) process unit and a Total Petrochemicals/UOP Olefin Cracking process unit. The integrated plant will feed an existing, large-scale polymerization pilot plant.

The UOP/HYDRO MTO process converts methanol to ethylene and propylene along with some heavier olefins. The Total Petrochemicals/UOP Olefin Cracking process converts these heavier olefins predominantly to propylene with some associated ethylene.
By integrating the two processes, Total Petrochemicals and UOP will demonstrate a very significant increase in the production of light olefins, particularly propylene.
“
UOP also remains active in MTO joint development with Hydro of Norway. Hydro has successfully operated an MTO demonstration unit in Norway since 1995.

Platts 2006/3/2

Arkema on schedule to close St Auban, France, VCM unit end March

The closure of Arkema's 125,000mt/yr St Auban, France, vinyl chloride monomer unit is on schedule for the end of March, a company source confirmed Thursday.

The polyvinyl chloride unit at the site has already been switched from a suspension to a specialty PVC operation, producing paste and co-polymer grades. Suspension PVC production has been transferred to Arkema's largest manufacturing site at Balan, the company source said.

2006/9/25 Arkema

Arkema doubles high performance polyamides capacity in China, to be operational by September 2007

Arkema has announced that it will double its high performance polyamides capacity at its Changshu site, China. This increase will come on stream by september 2007. 江蘇省常熟市

Arkema manufactures 6 high performance polyamides product lines: Rilsan(R) granules and Rilsan(R) fine powders, Pebax(R), Platamid(R), Orgasol(R) and Orgalloy(R). Arkema produces two of these product lines at its Changshu facility: Platamid(R) copolyamides and Rilsan(R) polyamides (from September 2006).

Rilsan(R) polyamide-11
PEBAX(R) ナイロン系エラストマー樹脂
PLATAMID(R) copolyamide hotmelts
Orgasol(R) Ultrafine Polyamide Powders
Orgalloy(R) Nylon 6 Alloy

2007/1/22 Arkema

Arkema and Essar announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the production of acrylic acid in India.

Arkema, a leading French chemical company and Essar Chemicals Ltd., part of India's Essar Group, have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to study the feasibility of a 50/50 joint venture in India for the production and commercialization of acrylic acid and esters.

The new world-scale production plant would come on stream in 2010. It would be located at Vadinar in Gujarat Province on India’s Northwest coast, downstream from the recently commissioned Essar refinery, using propylene as feedstock.

With two existing production sites in Carling (France) and Bayport (USA), Arkema intends with this new project to reinforce its position as a global player in acrylic monomers whose main applications are paints and coatings, superabsorbents, water treatment, and the paper and textile industries.

Essar Group is one of the fastest growing business groups in India. The Group’s businesses span the core and infrastructure segments of the economy - steel, oil and gas, power, mobile telecom, shipping and construction, and has approximately 20,000 employees.

Essar Chemicals Limited is part of Essar Global Limited, an investment arm of Essar Group. This company will be a vehicle to enter into value added chemicals business and is currently evaluating various options available based on feedstock streams from Essar Oil Limited’s refinery at Vadinar, near Jamnagar in Gujarat.

2007/3/15 China Chemical Reporter

Sartomer Kicks off Special Acrylates Project

On March 15th, 2007 construction on the 17 000 t/a special acrylates project, in Nansha Development Zone, Guangzhou, Guangdong province was started by Sartomer (Guangzhou) Chemical Company Ltd.. The project is invested by Sartomer (Guangzhou) Chemical Company Ltd., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Total Group of France and an important supplier of special chemical raw materials worldwide. In 2006, Sartomer (Guangzhou) Chemical Co., Ltd. established the Asian R&D Centre in Guangzhou.
The US$30 million project covers a land of over 70 000 m2 and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2007.

2007/4/23 .presstv.ir/

Total to continue Iran investment

French company Total says political issues and sanctions imposed against Iran have not affected the company's presence in Iran.

Speaking to IRNA during the 12th Oil Show in Tehran, director of the French oil giant, Pierre Fabiani said, "Total, like several other foreign companies, chose to take part in the Oil Show."

"Total plans to cooperate with Iran for production of LNG and expansion of upstream section of phase 11 of Iran's South Pars gas field," he said.
Earlier, the chief of National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) had said that Total was expected to announce its Final Investment Decision (FID) regarding the "Pars LNG" project, which pertains to the development of phase 11, in the next 3-4 months.

Some 797 Iranian companies and 510 foreign firms, from 35 countries, have taken part in the 12th Oil Show in Tehran.

2007/9/24 Arkema

Arkema invests for Kynar® Fluoropolymer production in China

Arkema announces its intention to expand the global production of Kynar® polyvinylidine fluoride (PVDF) by investing in a new facility in China.

The proposed Kynar® production facility, including VF2 monomer, will be built on an existing Arkema manufacturing site at Changshu, just north of Shanghai. Detailed engineering for the facility will start in the first quarter of 2008, for a startup planned in 2011.

2007/9/24 Arkema

Arkema doubles PVC Heat Stabilizer plant in Beijin

Arkema is investing in a major expansion of its PVC heat stabilizer production facility in Beijing (China), to respond to the strong growth of the construction and packaging markets.

The expansion will double the capacity of the site to 12,000 tons-per-year for production of the full range of tin-based heat stabilizers, and make it the single largest production facility for tin stabilizers in Asia. The extension is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2008.

January 16, 2008 Total

Total Petrochemicals USA, Inc. announces formation of Polyolefins Business Unit

Total Petrochemicals USA, Inc. (TPI) combined its Polyethylene and Polypropylene Business Units into a new Polyolefins Business Unit effective January 1, 2008.
“Operating these two key businesses under one banner gives us greater flexibility in meeting the market needs,” said Total Petrochemicals USA President and CEO Bernard Claude. “Combining our polypropylene and polyethylene operations into a single Polyolefins Business Unit more closely aligns us with Total Petrochemicals international business.”

TPI owns and operates a 900 million pound per year high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plant in Bayport, Texas. HDPE is typically sold in pellet form and is a plastic used in everyday items such as milk bottles, detergent containers, grocery sacks, crates, automotive fuel tanks, pipe, crates, totes, garbage bags, panels, and bottles.
TPI owns and operates a 2.35 billion pound per year polypropylene facility in La Porte, Texas, which is the world’s largest polypropylene facility. Polypropylene is a plastic used in food packaging, tapes, carpet yarns, absorbent products, small appliances, outdoor furniture, and toys.

2008/3/5 Sartomer

Sartomer Company Opens China Manufacturing Plant
Nansha, China, site will supply Asia, Europe and United States

Global specialty chemicals manufacturer Sartomer Company today announced the opening of a new manufacturing plant in Nansha, in the Guangzhou province of China. The facility will manufacture specialty acrylate monomers and oligomers used as raw materials in products such as paints, inks, coatings, adhesives, circuit boards, flooring, CDs and DVDs. Sartomer will sell materials manufactured at the new plant to customers in Asia, Europe and the United States.

April 14, 2008　RubberWorld

Arkema to stop production of MBS modifiers at its US facility in Alabama

Arkema has announced it will cease production of Clearstrength(R) methacrylic-butadiene-styrene (MBS) impact modifiers at its U.S. facility in Axis (Alabama), and consolidate worldwide MBS production at its facility in Vlissingen, in the Netherlands. Over the next few months, customers for MBS modifiers in the Americas will be supplied by Vlissingen plant. Arkema’s Axis plant will continue to produce Durastrength(R) acrylic impact modifiers and Plastistrength(R) acrylic process aids. According to the company, this consolidation is expected to produce cost savings of approximately EUR3.2 million ($5 million) over the first year. Arkema produces impact modifiers, process aids, and organotins as additives for polyvinylchloride (PVC) resins and engineering resins used in a variety of applications including pipes, window frames, exterior cladding, packaging and automotive body parts.

Jan. 21, 09 Total Petrochemical

Total Petrochemicals Consolidates European Styrene Business at the Gonfreville Facility and Commissions New World-Class Unit

Total Petrochemicals today announces the start-up of a revamped world-class styrene* unit at its petrochemicals facility in Gonfreville-l’Orcher, near Le Havre, France. With capacity expanded by 210,000 metric tons per year, the 600,000-metric-ton-per year unit will be one of the largest in Europe, delivering superior performance, especially in terms of energy efficiency.

The unit’s start-up is part of the industrial restructuration project launched by Total Petrochemicals in France in spring 2007 to safeguard its competitiveness in light of the expected economic challenges. Central to this plan, Total Petrochemicals’ styrene business in Europe has been rescaled and consolidated at the Gonfreville complex, resulting in the shutdown of the Carling unit, in France. This reduced overall styrene production capacity by 120,000 metric tons per year.

Up to 1,600 people a day were involved in the construction of the new unit, a process that took just over a year and a half. The unit was delivered on schedule and on budget. Project capital expenditure amounted to Euro320 million, including Euro20 million to adapt the site infrastructure and improve safety and environmental standards.

Thanks in particular to its new reactors, the styrene unit’s energy efficiency has increased 30%, thereby reducing carbon emissions from styrene production processes by a similar percentage.

“We are now ready to face the coming years with enhanced competitiveness in a very challenging market. We have also improved our energy efficiency performance”, said Francois Cornelis, Vice Chairman of Total’s Executive Committee and President of the Chemicals branch.

The project is in line with Total’s strategy of adapting its industrial facilities to market trends. Total concentrates its petrochemicals activities on world-class integrated hubs in Europe and the United States and develops ethane-based growth projects in Qatar and Algeria.

* Styrene is manufactured from benzene and ethylene. It is a major chemical intermediate that is used to produce a wide array of plastics, chiefly polystyrene.

2009/2/6 Arkema

Arkema announces the acquisition of American company Oxford Performance Materials

As part of its strategy to further expand in performance materials, Arkema announces the acquisition of the US company Oxford Performance Materials, Inc. (OPM), maker of polyether ketone ketone ultra-high-performance technical polymers marketed under the brandname OXPEKK(R), with sales of the order of $ 2 M.

The addition of OXPEKK polyether ketone ketone products to Arkema’s already diverse portfolio complements a set of high-performance materials that include Kynar(R fluorinated polymers, Altuglas(R) PMMA, Rilsan(R) polyamides, Pebax(R) thermoplastic elastomers, as well as Nanostrength(R) and Graphistrength(R) nanostructured materials.

February 9, 2009

Arkema sells Italian PVC compounder

Arkema has restructured its Italian Resilia PVC compounding operations in line with its move towards higher technology applications. It has sold one of its two plants, at Vanzaghello near Milan, to Italian company Industrie Generali. The plant has a turnover of around Eur 22 million and employs 19 people, who will join IGS when the sale takes effect on March 1. Arkema's other Italian PVC compounding plant, at Samarate, is active in compounds for medical equipment, and so falls in line with Arkema's high-tech strategy.

Arkema has PVC compounding businesses in five European countries - Resinoplast at Reims in France, Resil at Ghent in Belgium, Plasgom at Barcelona in Spain, Resitech at Leipzig in Germany, and the Italian Resilia operation.

2009/8/3

Arkema to Buy Certain Acrylates and Latex Assets From Dow in North America

Arkema and The Dow Chemical Company have entered into an agreement for Dow to meet FTC required divestitures related to its acquisition of Rohm and Haas Company. This comes ahead of the November 27, 2009 deadline.

Arkema will buy a Clear Lake, Texas, acrylic acid and esters plant and the UCAR Emulsion Systems specialty latex businesses in North America for a fair value consideration of U.S. $50 million(1).
(1) 2009 estimated revenue for these businesses is approximately U.S. $450 million.

The proceeds from the sale are accretive to Dow's shareholders and will be used for further de-leveraging.

The selection of Arkema as the buyer must be approved by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, and the two companies will be shortly reviewing the proposed transaction with FTC authorities. It’s expected to close in the 4th quarter of 2009.

“Arkema is today taking another very important step in its history and its growth and development strategy. This acquisition is fully in line with our commitment to develop our best product lines and boost our downstream integration,” states Thierry Le Henaff, the Arkema Group’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

2009/9/4　SinoCast Daily Business Beat　

Total to Start Coal Chemical Project in China Next Year

Total, one of the world's top oil and gas producers, still plans the start-up of a large-scale coal-to-alkene(olefin) project in China in 2010, although the domestic coal chemical industry is confronted with surplus production capacity and structural adjustment.

This time, Total will not produce alkene via naphtha catalytic cracking but the coal-to-methane technology. It aims to make the first 1-million-ton coal-to-alkene commercialization project start operation in around 2015, said a senior executive at Total China.

Actually, the energy tycoon is charmed by the high growth potential of the Chinese alkene market.

In the entire 2008, the country turned out 11.221 million tons of ethylene and 10.72 million tons of propylene, and the equivalent gaps reached 9.724 million tons and 4.189 million tons, respectively, because the alkene production capacity growth was still far less than that of demand.

Te traditional petrochemical production technologies depend more on overseas resources, so Total expects to yield polyolefine based on coal in China ultimately.

November 9, 2009

Arkema to close PVC production unit in Balan, France

Arkema has presented to its Balan facility’s trade union representatives a plan to shut down a 30,000 ton PVC production unit on the site in order to strengthen the competitiveness of its Balan plant (France). The Balan facility currently has three PVC production units with a 325,000 ton overall capacity. The oldest and smallest of these three units, with a 30,000 ton/year annual capacity, will be closed down, while the two remaining plants will be modernized in order to further improve their productivity. The implementation of this plan in the second quarter of 2010 would entail the loss of nine positions. Each employee whose position would be made redundant would be offered another position on the Balan site, said the company.

2011/11/21 Arkema　

Arkema continues to expand in specialty polyamides with the acquisition of Chinese companies Hipro Polymers and Casda Biomaterials

Arkema announces a project to acquire Chinese companies Hipro Polymers, a fast-expanding producer of biosourced polyamide 10.10, and Casda Biomaterials（河北凯徳生物材料有限公司）, world leader in sebacic acid セバシン酸, derived from castor oilヒマシ油 and used in particular to manufacture this polyamide 10.10.

"This acquisition is a great opportunity in many respects. It will help us boost our position in China, one of Arkema’s geographic priorities for the last 5 years. With polyamide 10.10, it aptly complements our high added value polyamide 11 and 12 product range, and fits in well with our growth strategy in green chemistry", stated Thierry Le Hénaff, Arkema Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Both acquisitions are consistent with Arkema’s strategy to develop performance products, as well as the program presented by the Group in November 2010 to acquire around 1 billion euros of sales.

Both companies report aggregate sales estimated at $230 M for 2011, and employ 750 people on two sites in China.

The acquisition price is based on an enterprise value of $365 M for 100% of the capital of both companies, which are predominantly owned by a joint venture between privately owned Chinese specialty chemical company Feixiang Chemicals and Bain Capital, a global alternative asset manager with over US$60 billion under management.

“We are happy to see the two companies to join the family of Arkema, global leader of renewable source based high performance polyamide, and believe that the business and product development of the two companies will be brought to a new high level ”, added Ji Li, President of Feixiang Chemicals.

By adding Hipro Polymers’ PA10.10 to its technical polymer portfolio, Arkema, the world’s only producer of polyamide 11 also derived from castor oil, would strengthen its world leading position in specialty biosourced polyamides (15 to 20% expected annual growth rate), becoming the only chemical manufacturer to offer a full range of long chain polyamides 10, 11 and 12. Arkema’s acknowledged reputation and application know-how in the end-markets of these various products should help speed up the development of Hipro Polymers, in particular in transportation (automotive, trucks), renewable energies, and electronics.

In anticipation of the rapid development expected over the next few years, Hipro Polymers’ modern and competitive industrial site, based in Zhangjiagang, 110 km from Shanghai, recently benefited from new investments to triple its production capacity.

With the acquisition of Casda Biomaterials, the world’s leading producer of sebacic acid, Arkema would benefit from sebacic acid integrated feedstock for the production of PA10.10, and, through this strategic raw material, would be able to supply diversified world markets such as lubricants, plasticizers and corrosion-inhibiting additives, as well as the fast-growing biosourced and biodegradable copolymer market.

The Casda Biomaterials facility is a competitive industrial base located in Hengshui, 250 km from Peking.

This project is subject to approval by the Chinese authorities, and the operation should be finalized in early 2012.
　

11/23/2011 Press Release

Arkema refocuses on Specialty Chemicals and announces a plan to divest its Vinyl Products activities

Divestment of Vinyl Products business segment to the Klesch Group, specializing in the development of commodity-related industrial activities
Creation of an independent and integrated leader in the European PVC industry, to be headquartered in Lyon.
Establishment of a dedicated management team from Arkema, as well as a strong financial structure at the service of an ambitious industrial project.
Transfer with no restructuring of the industrial plants: the employees concerned by this project retain the specific terms of their employment contracts.
Arkema refocuses on its specialty activities: Industrial Chemicals and Performance Products segments.

2011/11/30 Arkema、塩ビ関連事業を売却

Arkema presented today to the Central Works Council a plan for the spinoff and divestment of its Vinyl Products activities.

« This project is based on our firm belief that our specialty activities require today a differentiated strategy for each of these activities.
Grouped within an independent structure under the responsibility of Otto Takken, currently Executive Vice President of Arkema’s Vinyl Products business segment, the chlorochemicals, PVC and downstream activities should develop within a new structure with a clear industrial plan, a dedicated strategy, and a strong balance sheet.
By refocusing on its specialty activities, namely Industrial Chemicals and Performance Products, Arkema would continue to implement its growth strategy in innovative solutions dedicated to sustainable development and in emerging economies. Accordingly, our Group should assert its place as a major world player in specialty chemicals », explains Thierry Le Hénaff, Arkema Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Since its creation, Arkema has developed world-leading positions in Industrial Chemicals and Performance Products. At the same time, the Group has initiated a major program to improve the competitiveness of its Vinyl Products business segment.
At the end of 2010, the Group reaffirmed this strategy, and announced its firm ambition for accelerated growth in the specialty chemicals within its Industrial Chemicals and Performance Products business segments, while continuing to boost the competitiveness of its Vinyl Products segment. The pursuit of this strategy in the coming years requires significant investments to secure the long-term success of each of these activities.

Creating a major player in the European PVC industry
This analysis has prompted the Group to envisage the creation of an independent and integrated PVC player by spinning off its vinyl products businesses and divesting them to the Klesch Group, which specializes in the development of commodity-related industrial activities. This project would enable the vinyl products activities to benefit from a distinct industrial strategy equipped with significant financial resources in order to boost their long-term development and future.
Arkema will provide the new entity with a strong balance sheet, confirming its commitment to making this project a success, and to ensuring its development for the long term.
The project announced today, which aims to create a major player in the European PVC industry, built around a coherent portfolio of activities balanced between upstream activities (chlorine, caustic soda and PVC) and downstream activities (profiles and compounds), would entail no restructuring of the manufacturing plants for the businesses being divested. The employees concerned by the industrial plan as well as those required to operate the business will be transferred, and their compensation packages together with their seniority, qualifications, and the specific terms of their employment contracts would be safeguarded.
The project entails the divestment of all assets in France directly related to the chlorine and derivatives activities, as well as all downstream activities around the world (compounds, pipes and profiles). The Jarrie facility, which will no longer be part of the vinyl products entity (following the planned closure of dichloroethane), would not be transferred to this new structure. The Saint-Auban facility would only be concerned by the transfer of the PVC paste activity. The Balan EVA activity would not be concerned by the project.
1780 employees in France and 850 employees outside France would be transferred to the new entity, which would be headquartered in Lyon (France). In 2010 the sales of this new structure exceeded 1 billion euros.
“We are delighted to announce this agreement with Arkema to acquire its Vinyl Products division. This acquisition provides the Klesch Group with a new growth platform and one which complements its existing operations. One of the key attractions of Arkema’s Vinyl Products business is the expertise of its management and the dedication of its staff. We look forward to working with them in the future”, precise A.Gary Klesch, founder and Chairman of The Klesch Group.

Ranking among world leaders in specialty chemicals
With this project, Arkema would concentrate its resources and investments on developing its Industrial Chemicals and Performance Products businesses.
Refocused on its specialty activities, with leading positions in all its product lines, proforma sales estimated at some 6.5 billion euros (following the integration of Total’s resins on a full year basis), the new Arkema entity would feature a greater balance by region, reduced cyclicality, and improved profitability. The Group will consolidate its growth strategy in order to join the ranks of the world’s specialty chemicals majors.
From an accounting viewpoint, the operation should result in the recognition in 2011 of exceptional net expenses estimated at around 470 million euros, including approximately 100 million euros cash charge for Arkema.
The project remains subject to the legal information and consultation process involving the trade unions in the various entities and countries concerned, and to the approval of antitrust authorities.

ーーー

Klesch focuses primarily on acquiring businesses in the following sectors:
– metals and mining
– oil and gas
– power generation
– chemicals and plastics
– traditional industrials
– storage and logistics

Klesch operates alongside several industrial affiliates, including Basemet, Panther Trading and Swiss Oil Trading and Supply.
Basemet owns and manages aluminium smelters and other metals-related assets in Europe, while Panther Trading procures raw materials and sources metals-related physical and financial commodity products. Swiss Oil Trading and Supply oversees Heide Raffinerie, a group-owned petroleum refinery, and trades the energy-related physical and financial commodity products.

November 24, 2011　British Plastics & Rubber　

Klesch Group to acquire Arkema’s vinyl products division

The Klesch Group, one of Europe’s leading operators of industrial and commodity-related businesses, has agreed to acquire the Vinyl Products division of Arkema, a global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer.

Through this acquisition, Klesch states it will create a major player in the European PVC industry, built around a portfolio of investments balanced between upstream activities (chlorine, caustic soda and PVC) and downstream activities (profiles and compounds).

Through its existing investment platforms, Klesch is said to have significant expertise in the power and ethylene industries, the knowledge of which will be critical to efficiently producing vinyl products and which will be of benefit as the business is assimilated into the Klesch Group.

Klesch states the acquisition will not entail any restructuring of the manufacturing plants for the businesses being acquired. The employees concerned by the industrial plan, as well as those required to operate the business, will be transferred and their compensation packages, together with their seniority, qualifications and the specific terms of their employment contracts would be safeguarded.

Upon completion, 1,780 employees in France and 850 employees outside France will be transferred to the Klesch Group, and the Vinyl Products business will be headquartered in Lyon (France).

Commenting, A. Gary Klesch, founder and Chairman of The Klesch Group, said:

“We are delighted to announce this agreement with Arkema to acquire its Vinyl Products division. This acquisition provides the Klesch Group with a new growth platform and one which complements its existing operations. One of the key attractions of Arkema’s Vinyl Products business is the expertise of its management and the dedication of its staff. We look forward to working with them in the future.”

The agreement remains subject to the legal information and consultation process involving the trade unions in the various entities and countries concerned, and to the approval of antitrust authorities.

2012/7/3 Arkema　

Arkema finalized the divestment of its Vinyl Products segment

Arkema finalized today its project for the divestment* of its Vinyl Products activities to the Klesch group announced in November 2011, and so continues to refocus its business on specialty chemicals.

The activities concerned by the project have been grouped within a new company called KEM ONE. Headquartered in Lyon, France, this company has an excellent balance sheet structure, and reports sales of around one billion euros.

“I would like to thank the personnel of the Vinyl Products segment for their involvement and commitment at Arkema over the years, and I wish them all every success in the future. This divestment is consistent with Arkema’s strategy to refocus its business on specialty product lines” said Thierry Le Hénaff, Arkema Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Commenting, A. Gary Klesch, founder and Chairman of the Klesch Group, said: “This is a very exciting day for everyone involved with KEM ONE. As one of the largest vinyls businesses in Europe and with the strength in depth of its management team and the dedication of its staff, KEM ONE has a great future as it looks to capitalize on the growth opportunities which lie ahead.”

Thanks to a balanced distribution of sales across the world and a sustained innovation drive, Arkema is perfectly positioned to benefit fully from the growth related to sustainable development, and confirms its ambition to become one of the world’s top chemicals manufacturers by 2016, generating sales of some 8 billion euros and EBITDA of 1,250 million euros.

* Estimate of some of the specific charges related to the divestment operation recognized by Arkema in 2nd quarter: some 30 million euros as part of the establishment of social guarantees already announced early May, and some 30 million euros of technical costs related to the spinoff and divestment (IT, legal, accounting, etc., costs).

A global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema is building the future of the chemical industry every day. Deploying a responsible, innovation-based approach, we produce state-of-the-art specialty chemicals that provide customers with practical solutions to such challenges as climate change, access to drinking water, the future of energy, fossil fuel preservation and the need for lighter materials. With operations in more than 40 countries, 13,200 employees and 9 research centers, Arkema generates annual revenue of €5.9 billion, and holds leadership positions in all its markets with a portfolio of internationally recognized brands. The world is our inspiration.

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Geneva, the family-owned Klesch Group is one of Europe’s leading operators of industrial and commodity-related businesses. With combined revenue in excess of 4.5 billion euros, the Klesch Group employs more than 3,000 people across four principal business units, with locations in Germany, the Netherlands, Russia, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

07/28/2014 Arkema

Start-up of a new methyl acrylate plant on Clear Lake site, Texas

Arkema announces the start-up of its new plant for the production of methyl acrylate, an acrylic acid derivative used in the manufacture of polymers for water treatment, elastomers and engineering polymers. This investment, on its Clear Lake site in Texas, represents the last phase of a $110 M investment plan intended to strengthen Arkema’s rankings in the US acrylics market.

Following the commissioning of a 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate (2EHA) production plant in Bayport in 2012 and the opening of an acrylic acid capacity expansion in Clear Lake in June 2013, the start-up of a 45 KT methyl acrylate plant announced today represents the last phase of the revamping and capacity increase plan for Arkema’s acrylics business in Texas announced in November 2010.

This commissioning now makes Clear Lake one of the world’s leading manufacturing sites for acrylic acid and derivatives.

Arkema acrylics production site at Clear Lake, Texas, USA.

With the completion of this investment program, Arkema aims to fully capitalize on the growth of acrylic acid and derivatives in the fast-growing markets of water treatment, superabsorbents and enhanced oil and gas recovery.
With the finalization of this investment plan in the United States, our world-class site in Carling, France, and our project for the acquisition of Jurong’s acrylics assets in China due to be closed early September, Arkema more than ever ranks among the world’s acrylics leaders and is well positioned to serve its customers around the world from competitive and reliable production sites
　

January 23 2014

Acrylics acquisition in China
Arkema sets up joint venture with Jurong Chemical

Arkema and Jurong Chemical 江蘇裕廊化工有限公司, China’s leader in acrylic acid, announce the creation of Sunke, a joint venture in which Arkema will have a majority interest, comprising the assets of Jurong’s acrylic acid production site in Taixing 泰興市opened in 2012.
This acquisition, in the wake of Arkema’s recent startup of its coating resins and Coatex production plants on the Changshu site, will enable the Group to accelerate the development of its Coating Solutions segment in China and in Asia and to assist its customers in particular in fast-growing markets such as superabsorbents, paints, adhesives, water treatment, etc.
It represents a new milestone in Arkema’s growth strategy and the achievement of its 2016 targets, in particular by strengthening the Group’s position in high growth countries. Finally, it provides the Group with a highly competitive acrylic monomer industrial footprint in Asia.
Production capacity for Arkema initially will be 160,000 t/year for a $240 M investment, with the option to raise it without delay to 320,000 t/year for a further $235 M investment.
Commissioned in 2012, the Taixing site is a modern and competitive industrial complex. 200 km west of Shanghai, on the banks of the Yangtze River, it benefits from an excellent location both to
secure its raw materials supply and to serve its customers in China and in Asia. China’s leading acrylic acid production site, it currently has a 320,000 t/year installed capacity, with two world-scale
production lines.
The competitiveness of this site will be further strengthened by the commissioning of a third line with a 160,000 t/year capacity, due to start up in 1st quarter 2015. With a 480,000 t/year capacity,
the Taixing facility will thus become one of the world’s largest acrylic acid sites.
When the deal closes later this year, Arkema will have access to half of the site’s installed production, namely 160,000 t/year, for a $240 million investment. When the third line comes on
stream, Arkema will have the option to access 2/3rd of the site’s acrylic acid installed capacity, namely 320,000 t/year, for an additional $235 M investment. In a full year, sales corresponding to
both these lines are estimated at around $600 M. Finally, Arkema has a further option in the next 5 years to potentially acquire the remaining third of the acrylic acid production capacities, at a cost of$165 M.

An investment in line with Arkema’s focused growth strategy With this strong industrial base in Asia, a region accounting for 50% of the global acrylics market, Arkema will be in a position to support the growth of its acrylic monomer customers operating in the region, while securing feedstock for its downstream acrylics activities (Coatex, Sartomer, Arkema Coating Resins, etc.). Arkema will benefit from an immediate commercial presence to capitalize on the sustained growth of the local market, in particular in paints, adhesives, superabsorbent polymers for babies diapers, water treatment products, etc.
The anticipated EBITDA margin from these activities will be fully in line with the Company’s midterm targets.
Finally, this major operation is entirely consistent with the Group’s strategy to reinforce its presence in higher growth regions with a view to achieving 30% of its sales in these regions by 2016.
“We very much welcome this joint venture with Jurong, which its founder Sun Liping, a leading industrial entrepreneur, has successfully built up. This partnership is a unique opportunity for Arkema to access a major acrylic monomer production site in Asia this year, and what’s more in China, a country that alone represents a quarter of the global acrylics market, with high growth.
This expansion in a strategic region now provides us with a strong and balanced industrial and commercial footprint on three continents”, Marc Schuller, Arkema Executive Vice President, was delighted to say.
“I look forward to our partnership with Arkema”, stated Sun Liping, Jurong Chemical founder and main shareholder. “This deal helps underpin the development of the Taixing site through an international group that is a recognized leader in the acrylics market with a leading presence in Europe and the United States.”
The deal is expected to close in the summer of 2014, and is subject to authorization by the relevant authorities in China as well as a number of administrative formalities.
Arkema manufactures acrylic acid in Europe (Carling, France) and in the United States (Clear Lake, Texas). Arkema is also part of a 50/50 production joint venture in Bayport, Texas, with Nippon
Shokubai.

ArkemaはフランスのCarling、Texas州 BayportとClear Lakeの3か所に工場を持つ。
　　Carlingの能力は240千トンであったが、15%の増強を行った。（→275千トン）
　　Bayport は日触との50/50JV American Acryl で、同社の持分は60千トン。
　　Clear Lakeは上記の通り、Dowから取得したもの。
　　同社の2010年11月発表では、Clear Lakeの能力を2013年に270千トンに増強する。

　

2009/1/26　FTC、Dow と Rohm and Haas の統合を条件付で承認
2010/1　　Arkema and The Dow Chemical Company announced jointly today that they have closed Dow’s divestiture to Arkema of its acrylic acid and esters business located at Clear Lake, Texas and its UCAR Emulsion Systems specialty latex business in North America. The transaction has a fair value consideration of U.S. $50 million⁽¹⁾.

2010/11
The first project will focus on moving the Clear Lake site toward a best-in-class facility by improving the reliability and competitiveness of its Acrylic Acid assets. The combination of Arkema’s industrial expertise and know-how in Acrylics, along with the latest advances in technology, will aggressively advance this project to start-up in early 2013. The net effect of this project will bring the site to a new rated nameplate capacity of 270KT.
The second project for Clear Lake will be the construction of a 45KT unit for the production of Methyl Acrylate, which will support growth opportunities in water treatment, elastomers and technical polymers. This unit is planned for startup in Q2 2013.
The investment program announced today also includes the conversion of the Butyl Acrylate plant at Bayport, TX to a 40KT 2-Ethyl Hexyl Acrylate (2EHA) plant. This third project is planned to come on-stream in early 2012. At this date, all Butyl Acrylate production will be relocated to the Clear Lake facility.
　

		社名	能力　　（持分）	備考
米国	テキサス州　パサデナ市	American Acryl L.P.	120千トン（60千トン）	NA Industries （日触 100%) 50% Atofina 50% 〔ブチルアクリレート用〕

Arkema produces methyl methacrylate (MMA) at its European sites of Carling (France / Moselle) and Rho (Italy), which is supplied to external customers and is used by its subsidiary Altuglas International to manufacture polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Altuglas International operates PMMA production plants in Europe, North America, and Korea.

江蘇裕廊化工はシンガポールの昇立化工（SunVic Chemical Holdings Limited) の事業会社　

Based in Jiangsu Province, SunVic Chemical is the largest producer of AA and AE with annual production capacity of 525,000 tonnes and 350,000 tonnes respectively.
　　　205,000 tonnes in Yancheng鹽城 City and another 320,000 tonnes in Taixing City
SunVic Chemical is also one of the largest producers of PMIDA and glyphosate in the PRC with an annual production capacity of 40,000 tonnes and 20,000 tonnes respectively. We have a client base of over 500 customers located in PRC and overseas markets spanning across Asia, Middle East, Europe, as well as North and South America.

We have commenced the construction of the Phase III Taixing AA plant with an annual capacity of 160,000-tonne in Q3 2013. It is expected to be completed and begin production by end of 2014. This expansion is to keep pace with our customers’ expected increased demand for AA.

In January 2014, the Group announced the disposal of its AA & AE production facilities in Taixing City for an aggregate consideration of RMB3.9 billion to Arkema Asie SAS (“Arkema”), a global and France’s leading chemical company.
We will set up a joint venture with Arkema (the “JV”) and transfer the AA & AE production facilities into the JV in stages. Along with the JV is an offtake agreement which allow us to buy AA & AE from the JV at production cost.
The offtake agreement will end when Arkema exercises its option to acquire 100% of the JV.
We see this JV as a golden opportunity to achieve a significant financial gain for the Group and will unlock significant value for the Shareholders. It also allows us to lower our gearing and provide us with abundant cash reserve to continue expanding our chemical businesses when opportunity arises.
In addition, this JV serves as an acknowledgement of our achievement and recognition as a leading AA producer not only in the PRC but globally. Our continuing efforts to improve production efficiency as well as develop a sustainable business model have finally paid off.

The Group has decided to shelve the original plan to use the Catalyst-Assisted Cracking Plant to crack heavy fuel oil to produce petroleum-related products and propylene until further notice. To optimise the usage of the plant and equipment that are already in place, the Group is in the process of completing the modification and conversion of the Cracking Plant into a production plant for the production of methyl tertiary-butyl ether (“MTBE”) with an annual production capacity of 240,000 tonnes. The production plant for MTBE is expected to be completed and commence its operation from Q3 2013 onwards.

Sunvic Chemical is also one of the largest producers of PMIDA and glyphosate in the PRC with an annual production capacity of 40,000 tonnes and 20,000 tonnes respectively. PMIDA is the main raw material used for the production of glyphosate. Glyphosate is a type of weed killer which is particularly effective in the plantation of transgenic crops.

Sunvic Chemical was listed on the Main Board of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited ('SGX-ST") on 5 February 2007.

----------

10/21/2014 Arkema

Closing of first stage of acrylic assets acquisition in China

Arkema has finalized the first stage of its acrylics assets acquisition project in Taixing, China, and now has access to a modern and competitive 160,000 t/year acrylic acid production capacity in Asia for the sum of US$ 240 million. This investment will enable the Group to serve its customers in China and in Asia in growing markets such as superabsorbents, paints, adhesives and water treatment.

Arkema has finalized the creation of Sunke, a joint venture with Jurong Chemical, in which Arkema has a majority interest, and which consists in particular of two acrylic acid production lines each amounting to 160,000 t/year located on the Taixing site in China. With the closing of this first stage, Arkema has access to half of the site’s installed production.

本年1月、Arkemaはシンガポールの昇立化工（SunVic Chemical Holdings Limited) から、江蘇省の江蘇裕廊化工（ Jurong Chemical ）の江蘇省泰興市のアクリル酸工場の権利を取得した。

SunVicは中国のアクリル酸、アクリル酸エステルの最大のメーカーで、江蘇省にアクリル酸525千トン、アクリル酸エステル 350千トンの能力を持つ。
アクリル酸については、鹽城市に205千トン、泰興市に2系列計 320千トンとなっており、後者では2015年第1四半期に第3系列の160千トンが稼動する。

SunVicは泰興市の2系列計 320千トンの設備をTaixing Sunke Chemical に移管し、ArkemaはSunke の株式の55%を買収し、両社のJVとする。

これにより、Arkema は先ず160千トンの引取権を取得する。
第3系列が完成し、合計能力が480千トンとなった時点で、Arkemaは全体の2/3の320千トンの引取権を持つ。
更に、Arkemaは残り1/3を取得する5年間のオプションを持つ。

オプションを行使した場合、Arkema の中国の能力は480千トンとなる。

この場合の同社の全世界の能力は以下の通りとなる。（千トン）

　 2013年 2015年 option 行使

フランス　Carling 275 275 　

テキサス州Bayport 60 60 　

テキサス州 Clear Lake 270 270 　

江蘇省泰興市 　 320 480

合計 605 925 1,085

”This new site will enable us to meet our customers’ growing demand for acrylic acid and esters in China and in Asia, and to support the growth of our Coating Solutions segment in this region of the world. The successful integration of these new assets will be a priority for the Group and its personnel over the next few months”, stated Marc Schuller, member of Arkema’s Executive Committee.

A global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema is building the future of the chemical industry every day. Deploying a responsible, innovation-based approach, we produce state-of-the-art specialty chemicals that provide customers with practical solutions to such challenges as climate change, access to drinking water, the future of energy, fossil fuel preservation and the need for lighter materials. With operations in more than 40 countries, some 14,000 employees and 10 research centers, Arkema generates annual revenue of some €6.1 billion, and holds leadership positions in all its markets with a portfolio of internationally recognized brands.

Jurong Chemical is the world’s 5^th largest producer of acrylic acid and the acrylics leader in China. It is a subsidiary of Sunvic, a company listed on the Singapore stock market.

2015/3/9 Arkema PEKK (not PEEK)

Arkema expands its specialty polymer (PEKK) production capacities in France and the United States

Arkema is actively developing its new Kepstan® PEKK (Poly-Ether-Ketone-Ketone) ultra high performance polymer with applications in the fields of carbon fiber composites and 3D printing. Success in these fields has prompted Arkema to increase its production capacities in France now and in the United States in the near future.

In order to meet growing demand in carbon fiber composites and in 3D printing, Arkema announces that it is to double its production capacities in France by the first half of 2016.

Furthermore, the Group plans to build a worldscale PEKK production plant on its Mobile site (Alabama, United States) that would be scheduled to come on stream in the second half of 2018.

PEKK stands out from the PAEK (Poly-Aryl-Ether-Ketone) family by its extensive range of processing technologies and excellent thermomechanical behavior.

PEKK complements Arkema’s range of thermoplastic resins and broadens their range of applications in the aerospace, energy and electronics sectors, in which Arkema is already highly present through its Rilsan® (PA11) and Kynar® (PVDF) specialty polymers, as well as its Elium® acrylic resins.

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2009/2/6 Arkema

Arkema announces the acquisition of American company Oxford Performance Materials

Arkema announces the acquisition of the US company Oxford Performance Materials, Inc. (OPM), maker of polyether ketone ketone ultra-high-performance technical polymers marketed under the brandname OXPEKK(R), with sales of the order of $ 2 M.
　

	2013年	2015年	option 行使
フランス　Carling	275	275
テキサス州Bayport	60	60
テキサス州 Clear Lake	270	270
江蘇省泰興市		320	480
合計	605	925	1,085