May 18 2007
Hexion Specialty Chemicals, one of the world's leading producers of thermoset resins, and OAO Shchekinoazot, a large Russian industrial chemicals producer, announced today they have formed a joint venture company to manufacture resins for the forest products and construction markets. The announcement was made at the LIGNA Fair exhibition in Hannover, Germany.
The joint venture company, Hexion-Shchekinoazot, will produce a wide range of resin systems used in mineral wool insulation, plywood, medium density fiberboard and particleboard. The company will construct a resin production facility in the Tula region of Russia, directly at the Shchekinoazot industrial site. Production is planned to start by the end of this year. Initially the new resins plant will produce phenol formaldehyde resins before expanding to include production of urea formaldehyde resins and other thermoset formaldehyde derivatives. OAO Shchekinoazot will ensure a reliable and regular supply of raw materials for the new production site through its operating UFC plant and formalin plant.
The new resin plant to be constructed by the joint venture company is based on high efficiency and environmentally safe technology from Hexion.
"We are excited to partner with such a highly regarded organization as Shchekinoazot," said Joseph Bevilaqua, President for Hexion's Phenolic & Forest Products Division. "Hexion has significant expertise and experience in advanced resin technology. This combination with Shchekinoazot's production capabilities and successful position in the Russian marketplace will enable Hexion-Shchekinoazot to create value for customers."
Boris Sokol, President of OAO Shchekinoazot, added, "Establishing this enterprise is the result of effective joint work by our two teams which have succeeded in mutual understanding in all the issues connected with realizing this project. It is very important for us that Shchekinoazot's partner in the joint venture is the global leader in resins production, active in research and development and constantly updating its technology. Successful realization of our project will enable us to provide customers with the highest-quality products produced according to all environmental and safety requirements."
Russia's tremendous forest resources make it likely to be one of the most dynamic forest products markets in the world over the next decade. Development of mineral wool, furniture, construction materials and other production will create an increasing demand for synthetic resins. The Tula region's excellent transportation infrastructure and location to key markets in the center of Europe make it an excellent location to base Hexion-Shchekinoazot commercial activities, Bevilaqua and Sokol said.
"As a global leader in resin systems for the forest products industry, our goal continues to be to locate where we can efficiently serve our global customer base," Bevilaqua added. "Establishment of the joint venture company is a part of our ongoing strategy of providing advanced technology to customers in key markets around the world."