In expectation of an 8% per year rise in global demand for MDI-based polyurethanes, Huntsman (Salt Lake City, Utah / USA; www.huntsman.com) has announced preliminary engineering works for a new 400,000 t/y MDI plant, to be located at its existing hub in Geismar, Louisiana / USA. Investment costs for the plant, due to come on stream in 2018, were not disclosed.

Huntsman is currently debottlenecking its existing 450,000 t/y MDI plant at the site, and – contrary to earlier announcements (see Plasteurope.com of 26.03.2013) – says the added output will be commissioned next year. The Geismar site has access to shale gas and according to Huntsman is “the largest integrated MDI production facility in the Americas region.”