- Construction starts early next year, with operations beginning February 2003.
- Located at Atofina's Pierre-Benite site near Lyon, France.
- The plant will produce fluoroelastomers using advanced technologies.
- Products will be exported to Europe, the US, and Asia.
New Plant Announcement
Daikin Industries Ltd. has announced the establishment of a fully owned subsidiary in France, named "Daikin Chemical France S.A.S." This new company will manufacture fluoroelastomers, marking Daikin's first commercial production site in Europe.
Location and Timeline
The plant will be located on the Pierre-Benite site of Atofina S.A., near Lyon, France. Construction is scheduled to begin early next year, with commercial operations expected to start in February 2003.
Technological Integration
The new facility will incorporate Daikin's newly developed production technologies for fluoroelastomers, combined with their established methods. The plant will also utilize existing facilities at Atofina's industrial site.
Market Reach
The products manufactured at the new plant will meet market demands and be exported to European countries, the United States, and Asia. Europe represents a significant market, accounting for approximately 20% of global fluorochemical demand.
Applications
Fluoroelastomers produced at the plant will be used in various applications, including automotive parts like fuel hoses and sealing materials for the semiconductor and chemical industries. High-growth applications are anticipated in injection molding and turbo charge hoses for diesel engines, particularly in Europe.
Strategic Expansion
Daikin already owns a pre-compound company for fluoroelastomers in the Netherlands. The new French subsidiary will produce base polymers, aligning production units from raw materials to finished products to better meet customer needs in Europe.
