DuPont and LANXESS to Double PBT Compounding Capacity

Investment and Expansion

DuPont and LANXESS plan to double the compounding capacity of their joint venture for polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) production. They will invest approximately €10 million in the DuBay Polymer GmbH facility in Hamm-Uentrop, Germany. Construction is set to begin shortly, with the new expansion stage expected to be operational by early 2012.

Market Demand

This expansion is a response to the increasing global demand for PBT compounds, particularly from the automotive and electrical/electronic industries. The growth in these sectors is driven by both organic sales and new, innovative applications for high-performance thermoplastics.

Facility Background

DuPont and LANXESS have been operating their joint venture in Hamm-Uentrop since 2004. The facility, one of the largest of its kind globally, was previously expanded in 2007 to include compounding capabilities for high-volume compounds.

Product Range

The investment will enhance DuPont’s ability to deliver a differentiated PBT product, Crastin® PBT thermoplastic polyester resins, to the market. DuPont offers over 100 different grades of Crastin® PBT, suitable for a wide range of industrial applications, including electronics, electrical, automotive, mechanical engineering, chemical and apparatus engineering, domestic and medical appliances, and sporting goods.