The Polyurethanes business division of US chemicals manufacturer Huntsman (Salt Lake City, Utah; www.huntsman.com) has touted plans to raise its polyurethane production capacities in India, and has set aside USD 10m to invest in the construction of a new PU systems house in Pune. Scheduled to be completed in late Q1 2012, the new facility is to replace Huntsman’s existing PU house in Thane / India. Located on eight acres, the new site also will feature a modern development machine hall and large-scale blending facilities.

Explaining the rationale behind the move, Huntsman Polyurethanes vice president Nick Webster said: “With an expanding middle class, increased urbanisation and significant infrastructure development projects underway, we are predicting a large spike in demand for MDI across the region.” The subcontinent’s rising demand for MDI is spurred, among others, by innovative footwear technologies, tailor-made solutions for automotive and construction as well as retail and cold supply applications.

Underlining the importance of Huntsman’s PU business in Asia, the company recently appointed Anthony Hankins, head of its PU division, to the post of CEO Asia Pacific – see Plasteurope.com of 22.02.2011. Later this year, the PU division’s headquarters is scheduled to move to Hong Kong.