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The Group (Scanzorosciate, Italy) announced on July 13 its decision to build a 50,000-ton capacity greenfield maleic anhydride plant at its Morris, Ill., U.S. site to support its composites business. Manufactured as a harder for epoxy resin, the anhydride additives are said to be used in several industries including the electronic and electrical markets in the manufacture of motors, generators, insulators; industrial sectors for wind turbine blades, pipes, pultruded parts; and as raw material for the manufacture of resins for paint and coatings. The group says the decision was made following a thorough evaluation of multiple organic and inorganic investment opportunities. According to the company, the Morris site is its largest site for unsaturated polyester resins, with ample space for expansion and cost-efficient benefits via its access to a rail spur and a dock for barges on the Illinois River.

The plant will serve Polynt-Reichhold’s consumption for composites and other maleic derivatives already produced in Europe and Asia. The company intends to create, in North America, the successful integrated business model it employs in Europe. “For maleic anhydride, we evaluated options for purchasing an existing plant, but this proved to not be feasible. Therefore, we decided to go ahead and build our own maleic anhydride plant,” comments Rosario Valido, president and CEO.

According to Polynt-Reichhold, it is still evaluating its integration strategy for phthalic anhydride, the other chemistry included in the strategic integration initiative. The company is considering integration with existing operations or the construction of a greenfield plant. The final decision about the next steps is expected before the year end.

 “For phthalic anhydride, we are in an earlier stage and different options are still on the table, but are committed to progress in integrating intermediates and resins. An investment in phthalic anhydride will strengthen our competitive position in the Americas while leveraging our proprietary technologies and  experience operating intermediates facilities in Europe and Asia,” Valido adds.