Rhodia Polyamide opens compounding plant in Shanghai

With the opening of its new 40,000 tpa compounding facility in Shanghai, Rhodia Polyamide has doubled its production capacity in Asia to 80,000 tpa. The second of its kind built by Rhodia in Asia since 2003 and claimed to be the largest nylon-dedicated compounding plant in China, the Shanghai site will house compounding facilities for the entire range of Rhodia’s compounded polyamide products.

Jean-Claude Steinmetz, vice president of Rhodia Engineering Plastics, said the company’s current full manufacturing capacity in China provides flexibility to serve both China and other regional markets, particularly in supporting the growth of the automotive, electrical and electronics, and consumer industrial goods industries in Asia. On top of its industrial capabilities, the integrated operations at Shanghai also include a technical centre and R&D facilities to strengthen Rhodia’s position in the region.

Rhodia Polyamide president Laurent Schmitt said at the press conference held at the opening: “Our strategy in Asia is to pursue developments of our leadership position, focusing on nylon intermediates and the engineering plastics platform. We also aim to integrate our upstream and downstream operations to be competitive in this market.” One development showcased at the opening was the first plastic air intake manifold, locally developed with a global Tier One manufacturer and commercialised for Chinese carmaker Chery.