Chemicals and energy firm ExxonMobil made a final investment decision to open a new petrochemical complex in the Dayawan Petrochemical Industrial Park in Huizhou, China in a bid to meet rising demand for performance chemical products in the country.

The complex will manufacture performance polymers for packaging, automotive, agricultural, and hygiene and personal care products applications using energy efficient technologies, the American company announced in a recent release.

“Demand for performance polymers will continue to increase in China, and we’re well positioned to meet the needs of that growing market,” Karen KcKee, president of ExxonMobil Chemical Co., said in a statement. “We look forward to progressing this exciting project as we work to build a competitive growth platform in Dayawan.”

Work on the greenfield site is currently underway. Once operational, the complex will feature three performance polyethylene lines, two differentiated performance polypropylene lines, and a flexible feed steam cracker with an initial capacity of 1.6 million mt/yr.

The company said the opening of the Huizhou complex will also support China’s national initiatives to develop its petrochemical sector, including diversified feedstock sources, self-sufficiency, and new competitive technology.