Kraton announces plans for new 30 kta HSBC plant in Asia

The company said in a statement issued on 24 August, that strong growth in its differentiated grades of HSBC's has created the need for additional manufacturing capacity in this region. The site-selection team is expected to make a recommendation by December 2010, followed by a detailed cost-assessment by early 2011. Kraton anticipates seeking final Board of Directors' approval soon thereafter, whereupon construction of the plant would likely commence in the first half of 2012, with start-up occurring as early as the second half of 2013.

"Kraton has built a strong presence in Asia, and such an investment would represent the next step to grow our position in the region--committing the necessary resources, technology and capital," said Kevin M. Fogarty, President and Chief Executive Officer. "The growth in application and technology development, using Kraton's styrenic block copolymers in Asia, continues to accelerate. This new plant should help facilitate this additional growth, demonstrating further our commitment to the region," he said.

Additionally, Kraton has recently relocated its Shanghai, China office to a new facility, double the size of the previous location, to better accommodate on-going increase in staff capability, which has more than doubled in China since 2006.

"This new office facility includes a multi-functional customer service center and a dedicated training facility," added David A. Bradley, Kraton's Chief Operating Officer. "When combined with our expanded warehouse capacity in Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone and our recent investments to enhance product packaging in China, we believe customers in the region will benefit from Kraton's commitment to further enhancing our service capability," he concluded.