Bayer to Expand Production of Polyether Polyols by Investing at Two Plants in N. America

Pittsburgh -- Bayer MaterialScience is committed to the growth of the polyurethane industry in the North American and global markets. Bayers investment strategy for its South Charleston, W.Va., and Channelview, Texas, facilities reinforces this commitment.

Both sites produce polyether polyols - a key component in the development of polyurethanes. The market relies heavily on these sites, which are of significant size, making Bayers investments vital to supporting growing demand in the NAFTA market for this versatile and essential material. More specifically, investments in the Channelview, Texas, plant further build on Bayers market-leading IMPACT technology, which is based on its proprietary double metal catalyst (DMC) while taking advantage of the plants economies-of-scale.

These capital investments are increasing plant capacities, providing Bayer with additional volume to support growing demand around the world. The investments are an example of Bayers longstanding commitment to these facilities and also give Bayer the ability to participate in continued market growth.

 "We strive to provide our customers and key markets with consistent high-quality products and technology theyve come to expect from Bayer," said Craig Caputo, Vice President - Polyurethanes Regional Product Manager, Bayer MaterialScience LLC. "Through investments and expansions, our facilities and operations continue to evolve, enabling us to remain a reliable source of market-leadingpolyurethane raw materials to the North American market."

Polyurethane raw materials made at the South Charleston, W.Va., plant are utilized in automotive seating, and also serve the coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers markets. Increased capacity is now coming on-stream; full capacity is expected in 2014.

The flexible foam market, which includes polyurethanes for furniture and mattresses, is supplied in part by the Channelview, Texas, site. Additionally, expansions at the plant will effectively double original start-up capacity of the worlds first IMPACT technology plant. Upgrades to this site will take place in 2014 with full capacity available in 2015.