BASF/Toray JV to Manufacture Polybutylene Terephthalate in Malaysia

German chemical giant BASF and Japanese synthetic fibre manufacturer Toray are to form a 50-50 joint venture that will see them set up a polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) manufacturing operation in Malaysia.

The proposed plant, scheduled to commence production in 2006, will be able to produce 60,000 tons of PBT per annum, although the plant will be designed with an eye to expanding capacity to 100,000 tons per annum should demand rise.

PBT is a versatile engineering polymer which exhibits good heat resistance. It has a range of applications. It is used in areas such as automobiles and electronics. It is becoming more popular, and the joint venture plant in Malaysia is being established to satisfy growing demand from the Asian region.

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