The group is working on a debottlenecking project at its site in Oberhausen, Germany

The group is working on a debottlenecking project at its site in Oberhausen, Germany
By Christopher Cundy

Ticona will increase production of UHMW-PE at its Oberhausen, Germany site by up to 10,000tpa. The debottlenecking project will be complete in the second half of 2004 and will raise total capacity at Oberhausen to 40,000tpa. Last year Ticona opened a North American UHMW-PE facility in Bishop, Texas, with a 30,000tpa capacity. Ticona produces UHMW-PE under the GUR brand. The polymer is tough and has good abrasion resistance, and a low coefficient of friction.

The company estimates growth in the global market for UHMW-PE is around 5%. Global GUR business director Dave Postolowski said: “The debottlenecking in Oberhausen will meet growing demand for UHMW-PE and further improve our manufacturing capabilities for an expanded product range.”