A first methacrylic acid plant for Degussa in US

Degussa is planning a major expansion of its methacrylates (MMA) capacity and the construction of its first methacrylic acid plant in North America.

The MMA capacity will be increased at Fortier, Louisiana, US, by 20 000 tonne/year from 140 000 tonne/year, raising the company’s worldwide MMA capacity to 480 000 tonne/year.

Degussa also plans to build its first methacrylic acid plant at the site. With a capacity of 20 000 tonne/year it is due for completion in 2006.

The company declined to disclose the capital cost of its investments at Fortier, a site operated by its wholly-owned subsidiary Cyro. The expansion plans follow news that Degussa has taken full control of Cyro by paying joint venture partner Cytec Industries $95m for its 50% stake.

‘With the acquisition of Cyro and the expansion of the production facilities we are sending a clear signal of our market presence in the US and our global growth strategy,’ said Gregor Hetzke, the head of Degussa’s methacrylates business unit.

- Meanwhile, the Degussa board has given the go-ahead for a €15m investment in its construction chemicals division. Over the next three years, it will expand powder production at five European sites.