Jul 26 2007
Ashland Inc. today announced nearly $80 million in expansion projects for the company’s operations in China. The projects consist of a new resin production plant and a technology and business services center.
“The growth we are experiencing in China’s dynamic business environment is exciting, and our continued strategic investment in this region further positions Ashland as an industry leader,” said Dale MacDonald, president of Ashland China. “These investments will further support our ability to service customers and to develop products and technologies to meet the needs of the local market.”
A new unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) plant, to be built in northern China, represents an estimated initial $35 million investment. Current plans call for the plant to be operational in 2009. “This project marks the second resin production facility for Ashland in China, and it will be our fifth manufacturing site in the country,” said MacDonald. Ashland’s existing UPR production plant in Changzhou, constructed in 2005, is currently being expanded to triple its production capacity.
Ashland’s other capital expansion project announced today is a $43 million technology and commercial center, which will be located in Shanghai. “It is vital to our continued success in China that we provide in-country product and application development support,” said Luca Fontana, chief technology officer for Ashland. “With this new center, Ashland will be able to proactively provide our customers in this region with the scientific and technological expertise they need to effectively compete in today’s global marketplace.”
The facility, expected to be completed in 2008, will also house management and business services that support Ashland’s operations throughout China. With more than 400 employees in China, Ashland currently has offices in Shanghai and Beijing, and manufacturing facilities in Beijing, Changzhou, Kunshan and Nanjing.