Arkema starts production at thiochemicals plant in Malaysia

Arkema, the French manufacturer of specialty chemicals and performance materials, has started production at its thiochemicals plant in Kerteh, Malaysia. The thiochemicals platform produces methyl mercaptan for use as a synthesis intermediate in animal feed and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS). The development of this site is consistent with the Group’s growth strategy in Asia, and strengthens Arkema’s position as the world leader in the production of high added value sulfur derivatives.
 
The construction of this new site has represented an investment of some Euro 200 million for the group. Arkema thereby reaffirms its expertise in thiochemicals technologies, and confirms its vast expertise in the production of methyl mercaptan, a sulfur intermediate that is key in the manufacture of the bio-methionine produced on the same site by Korean company CJ CheilJedang using an innovative bio-sourced process. These plants will help meet fast-growing demand in the Asian animal feed market.
 
By also doubling its DMDS global capacity, the group moreover supports the steady growth of the petrochemicals and refining markets, and now has plants in Europe, the US and Asia.
 
The start-up of the Kerteh plant marks a further key milestone in Arkema’s growth strategy and will contribute to achieve its long-term targets. The production at the Kerteh site will ramp-up gradually.