BASF (IW 1000/33) announced last week that it will expand manufacturing capabilities for products marketed under the Joncryl trade name at plants located in Wyandotte, Mich., and Monaca, Penn.
“The decision to make these investments, while optimizing our manufacturing footprint to our largest and most modern facilities, demonstrates our continued commitment to our customers and growth in the North America region,” said Derek Fairclough, senior vice president, Dispersions and Pigments for BASF in North America.
The expansion is due to growth in the printing, packaging, and industrial coating markets.
The company said the investments will provide additional capacity, operational flexibility and reliability as the company invests in its emulsion polymer and resin manufacturing facilities.
In November, 2012, BASF announced a major investment in emulsion polymer manufacturing capacity in Freeport, Texas and held an official groundbreaking ceremony on February 8, 2013. The plant is expected to be operational by the summer of 2014.
BASF has also made the decision to close its Seaford, Delaware, manufacturing site, which has produced emulsion polymers since 1986. The Seaford site will close by the end of 2013 and production will be transitioned to BASF’s Wyandotte and Monaca sites.