GEP and PetroChina plan Chinese polycarbonate investment

GE Plastics is linking up with PetroChina to build a world scale polycarbonate plant in China using phosgene-free, melt technology. The Chinese group will supply the feedstock for the plant, which will turn out GEP’s Lexan material. No details of the location, timing or cost of the project have been divulged.

Brian Gladden, general manager of GEP’s Lexan business, said that serving the Chinese market “is a key priority for GE”. The new operation will combine with the group’s existing compounding capabilities in the country, he said. At present, GEP makes Lexan at two sites in the US, two in Europe and one in Japan, and operates 15 compounding units for the material globally.

PetroChina specialises in exploration, production, refining and marketing of chemicals and natural gas and is keen to expand its partnerships with overseas companies.