Emery Oleochemicals, a natural-based chemicals producer, announced last week that construction activities of its new technologically advanced bio-polyol plant located in Cincinnati, Ohio has reached mechanical completion. The plant will further strengthen Emery Oleochemicals' ability to provide wide range of Eco-Friendly Polyoyls products and customer service.
With the initiation of pre-commissioning activities and site operational verification, startup of the first phase of the US$50 million investment marks a key milestone in the expansion project designed to boost capacity and technical capabilities in the manufacturing of performance bio-based polyols for the automotive, furniture and bedding and major appliances industries.
Announced in 2012, the project will reach initial production goals by the end of the year specifically in the area of renewable-based polyols, using Emery Oleochemicals' proprietary ozonolysis technology.
"Once the commercial operation of the first phase begins, the bio-polyol plant will demonstrate unique capabilities of renewable-based polyols that can deliver on both performance and cost," said Jay Taylor, Senior Vice President, Chief Manufacturing Officer and Regional Managing Director, North America.
The second phase adjoins in this same manufacturing complex and is in its final building stage with civil and structural installation at various process units nearing completion. This state-of-the-art site is dedicated to the production of recyclable polyols, bringing to life Emery Oleochemicals' "closed-loop" processing value proposition and marks the successful integration of award-winning INFIGREEN® technology acquired in 2012.
"Supported by over 100 workers and external consultants, we have done an excellent job in constructing what will be the world's first commercial plant offering both renewable and recyclable polyols for polyurethanes. Surpassing over 1.6 million man hours without a lost time accident, the facility already allows potential customers to explore opportunities in which our products can be economically integrated into their product development goals as we also embark on pre-marketing activities," added Taylor.
When full facility commissioning completes in Q2 2015, the Cincinnati site will additionally produce solutions for Emery Oleochemicals' Agro Green, Bio-Lubricants and Green Polymer Additives businesses, therefore providing natural-based solutions in market segments such as agriculture, lubricants, oilfield, packaging, toys and other high-growth industries.
"As we reach this first critical milestone, we are very pleased with the team's effort in delivering on a international-standard project while meeting the highest specifications of safety, quality of construction, and maintaining costs and scheduling commitments," said Dr.Kongkrapan Intarajang, Group Chief Executive Officer, during a recent site visit.
"This project is a testament to our global strategy of growing our innovation capabilities in providing natural-based specialty chemical solutions. Combined with our enhanced technical development centre here in Cincinnati, we are poised to drive the innovation and sustainability agenda in bio-polyols. By positioning ourselves in the radar of automotive industry players, we aim to be a preferred partner to deliver quality solutions the global marketplace have come to expect from Emery Oleochemicals," Dr. Intarajang added.
