Mitsui Chemicals Set to Begin Singaporean Production for α-Methylstyrene

2019.01.15

Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.

Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (Tokyo: 4183; President & CEO: Tsutomu Tannowa) today announced that it intends to begin production for alpha-methylstyrene (α-methylstyrene) at Singaporean subsidiary Mitsui Phenols Singapore Pte. Ltd. (MPS; Managing Director: Manabu Yoshida).

Formed as a by-product during phenol production, α-methylstyrene is an aromatic compound that sees use as a raw material in the likes of resins and additives. Demand for the compound is strong as a result of global economic growth, with a particular expansion of applications coming in response to increasing performance needs for acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin and petroleum resin.

Mitsui Chemicals already has a world-leading level of production capacity for α-methylstyrene in Japan. By also beginning production in Singapore, the company intends to construct a more stable system for global supply.

This will enhance a three-base network comprising Japan, Singapore and China. Going forward, Mitsui Chemicals will use this network to further strengthen and expand its phenol chain business into one with a truly global presence.

Overview of the Expansion

Product α-methylstyrene
Factory location Jurong Island, Singapore
Production capacity 20,000 tons/year
Schedule Construction to be completed in May 2020 (tentative)

Overview of Mitsui Phenols Singapore Pte. Ltd.

Headquarters 3 HarbourFront Place #10-01 HarbourFront Tower 2 Singapore 099254, Singapore
Established April 15, 1999
Capital $120 million (Mitsui Chemicals: 95%; Mitsui & Co.: 5%)
Managing Director Manabu Yoshida
Business Manufacture and sale of phenol, acetone and bisphenol A