Celanese Corporation, a global hybrid chemical company, this week celebrated significant events in Asia, marking the company’s historical presence in China and Singapore, as well as its commitment to growth in the region.
Early in the week, Celanese executives joined local officials, customers, suppliers and employees to celebrate the tenth anniversary of its Singapore operations, where Celanese manufactures acetyl products such as acetic acid and vinyl acetate monomer for the broader Asia region. The world-class facility represents the core of the company’s chemical manufacturing start in Asia and will continue to be a strategic resource for future growth.
“As we look to the future, Celanese sees growth in Asia as a central component of our overall strategy to add value to our company,” said John Gallagher, president, Acetyls and Celanese Asia. “Our Singapore facility is well positioned to support Celanese’s growth in all of Asia not just in China.”
Also during the week, the company celebrated its 20-year-old acetate joint venture at Nantong Cellulose Fibers 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.
On Wednesday, September 19, Celanese formally inaugurated its integrated chemical complex in Nanjing, China, with ceremonies at the complex that included company executives, employees, Chinese government leaders and local dignitaries. The complex, which incorporates six plants with Celanese’s leading technologies and environmental and safety standards, marks a major milestone for Celanese’s operations in China and Asia.
Celanese’s complex, located at the Nanjing Chemical Industrial Park, brings world-class scale to one site for the production of acetic acid, vinyl acetate monomer, acetic anhydride, emulsions, Celstran long fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (LFRT) and GUR ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE).
“The chemical complex in Nanjing, our largest integrated chemical complex in the world, underscores our long-term commitment to investing in the Asia market and China in particular,” said David Weidman, chairman and CEO.
“China is a very important market for Celanese. It is a key link in our global business strategy and a significant contributor to our growth and development. Over the next several years, we expect to derive about 30 percent of revenue and 50 percent of total company profitability from Asia.”
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.
