The DSM's new line could be located in China

DSM Engineering Plastic’s plans for a significant expansion of capacity for its high temperature nylon Stanyl 46 may involve setting up a plant in China.

The Dutch polymer maker has started engineering work on a second Stanyl line that will double its existing capacity. It has a target start up of 2007.

Although the preferred location for the new unit is alongside its existing facility at Geleen, DSM said it was evaluating an alternative site in China. It will make a final decision in the second half of next year.

Meanwhile, the company will complete a debottlenecking of its existing plant in the fourth quarter of this year; this is providing an additional 20% capacity of the material which DSM claims outperforms other high-heat materials such as PPS and LCPs.