- The new polypropylene compound production facility is located at Chemelot in Geleen, Netherlands.
- The facility is scheduled to open in June 2020 with a workforce of around 100 people.
- It will produce approximately 30,000 tons of compound pellets annually.
- Key factors for choosing the location included logistics, talent pool, and infrastructure.
Facility Location and Purpose
Mitsui Chemicals is opening a new polypropylene (PP) compound production facility at Chemelot in Geleen, Netherlands. This facility aims to meet the growing demand for lightweight PP components in the automotive sector, which help reduce vehicle weight and CO2 emissions.
Decision Factors
The decision to locate in the Netherlands was influenced by several factors, including the English language skills of the local population, stable labor relations, a qualified talent pool, excellent logistics, and fairly-priced utilities. The Chemelot site was chosen for its strong infrastructure and proximity to key European customers.
Speed-to-Market
The facility benefits from the umbrella permit covering the Chemelot area, which expedited the approval process. Its strategic location allows efficient logistics, with raw materials arriving through the ports of Rotterdam or Antwerp and processed materials easily delivered to central European customers.
R&D Collaboration
The Brightlands campus offers a collaborative ecosystem for R&D, featuring raw materials producers, students, and independent facilities. This environment facilitates quick knowledge exchange and problem-solving, which is crucial for innovation and development in the chemical industry.
Operational Details
The new facility is scheduled to open in June 2020 and will employ around 100 people, operating 24/7. It is expected to produce approximately 30,000 tons of compound pellets annually, supporting the automotive industry's shift towards lightweight materials.
