Bayer MaterialScience builds new manufacturing facility for polyurethane raw materials in India
Bayer MaterialScience is to invest EUR 20 million in a new aromatic and aliphatic polyisocyanate manufacturing facility in India as part of its strategy to grow its business in the country and strengthen its position as a market leader in the supply of polyurethane raw materials. The new plant in Ankleshwar, in the north-western state of Gujurat, is scheduled to start operating in 2011.
The facility will produce Desmodur® polyisocyanates, raw materials for the formulation of a variety of polyurethane coatings, adhesives and sealants. Specifically, these will be Desmodur® L for the coating of wood and furniture as well as for the formulation of adhesives for flexible packaging, and Desmodur® N, used in the automotive, industrial and plastic coating sectors.
"This investment underlines our commitment to India and the region. Despite the currently weak global economic scene, we believe India holds much promise for sustainable market growth," says Dr. Joachim Wolff, head of the Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties (CAS) Business Unit and member of the Executive Committee of Bayer MaterialScience. "The coatings and adhesives sector continues to establish itself in India as its economy grows. The Ankleshwar investment highlights our commitment to this market and will strengthen our ability to meet demand in the future," says Dr. Wolff.
Bayer MaterialScience also has a polyurethane systems house in India – its first in the country – which was opened in Greater Noida, near New Delhi, in mid-2007.
With 2008 sales of EUR 9.7 billion, Bayer MaterialScience is among the world’s largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction and sports and leisure industries. Bayer MaterialScience has 30 production sites around the globe and employed approximately 15,100 people at the end of 2008. Bayer MaterialScience is a Bayer Group company.
