February
9, 2004
Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation
|
Commercial start of new styrene monomer plant and
extension of shut-down schedule |
Asahi Kasei Chemicals began commercial operation of a new 330,000 ton/year styrene monomer line at its Mizushima Works on February 2. Construction was completed in December 2003. In addition to the 450,000 tons/year capacity at two other lines in the same complex, the new line raises total capacity for styrene monomer to 780,000 tons/year.
The new styrene monomer plant was originally scheduled for an 11-day shut-down during regular maintenance at the Mizushima plant complex. However, short supply of petrochemical feedstocks has made it difficult to secure sufficient inventories, and the shut-down schedule for the new styrene monomer plant has now been extended to 25 days. With production curtailed by the additional 14 days off line, Asahi Kasei Chemicals will meet its obligations for stable supply by obtaining styrene monomer through market purchases.
Shut-down schedule for new styrene monomer plant
| Original schedule: |
| |
March 22 to April 1 (11 days) |
| Revised schedule: |
| |
March 16 to April 9 (25 days) |
| Reduced production: |
| |
Approximately 13,000 tons |
|
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