Jul 25 2007
BASF's Freeport, Texas, site recently began construction of a new $13 million crystallizer system at the site's caprolactam plant in a joint project with its customer, American Plant Food Corporation. Once completed, the crystallizer will refine high- quality ammonium sulfate, a by-product of the caprolactam manufacturing process and a key component in plant fertilizer sold by American Plant Food.
Construction of the system is expected to take two years to complete. During this time, the project will employ 20 construction personnel at the site and 20 jobs off-site for local companies.
BASF is a major producer of caprolactam, which is used to manufacture nylon products. While BASF has supplied ammonium sulfate to American Plant Food for many years, the companies together saw the opportunity to increase production of higher quality granules of ammonium sulfate and gain new efficiencies in the process by installing the new crystallizer system.
"This provides BASF and American Plant Food with a unique opportunity that provides great benefits for both parties," said Art Colwell, Vice President and General Manager of BASF's Freeport site. "It is an excellent example of finding innovative uses for by-products and eliminating waste in our manufacturing processes."
"Our companies have a long-standing relationship and this demonstrates the next chapter in finding new ways for mutually-beneficial business gains," said Don Ford, President, CEO and Chairman for American Plant Food Corporation. "We look forward to having this new crystallizer system in place to increase the quality of ammonium sulfate to supply our customers for blending, direct applications and industrial use."
Randy Hulvey, Manager of Supply Chain Management for Polyamide and Intermediates for BASF in North America added, "This project is another example of how closely BASF and American Plant Food have worked together for more than 40 years. It also demonstrates how BASF helps make its customers more successful."