Thermoplastic elastomer is planning a major boost to its Asia Pacific

Thermoplastic elastomer major Kraton is planning a major boost to its Asia Pacific activities with the centrepiece of a 30,000tpa plant, to make its styrenic block copolymer using the latest state-of-the-art technology. The company has initiated engineering on the project and is in discussion with potential partners with a view to a 2009 start-up. Kraton, owned by Texas Pacific Group, also the owner of British Vita, will begin the search for a site shortly.

Plans also include a new customer service centre, to be located in China, and scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2007. It will include a distribution centre for storage and finishing of Kraton products and a technical centre to provide customers in the region with quality assurance, customer service and targeted product development.

“We are very excited about our plans in the Asia Pacific region and its future potential for Kraton,” said George Gregory, the company's chief executive. “Kraton has built a strong presence in the region over the past several years and it is time to take this next step.”