Specialty chemicals firm Nouryon announced Tuesday that it has commenced the engineering phase for a new expandable microspheres plant in Green Bay, WI and said work on the site is expected to begin later this year. 

Expandable microspheres are used to reduce the weight, cost, and environmental impacts of a variety of end products. Nouryon sells expandable thermoplastic microspheres under the brand Expancel. The company said the new facility will help it to meet an uptick in demand and complement its existing expandable microspheres operations in China, Brazil, and Sweden.

The Green Bay facility currently has assets for the final step of the Expancel production process. Once the expansion is completed, the plant will be capable of carrying out all manufacturing steps for the product.

Here are some other chemical industry developments that captured headlines over the last week:

Chemical Plant Explosion Leave 4 With Injuries

Four people were injured in an explosion Tuesday at the Sakai Chemical Industry Co. Ltd. chemical plant in Iwaki, Japan. Officials told Kyodo News that the blast happened at about 7:45 a.m. and that three people received burns and one experienced minor injuries during the incident. An English language report noted that the facility manufactures zinc oxide and zinc powders used in the cosmetics and paints industries.

BASF to Boost Capacity at Platinum Group Metals Plant

German chemicals and materials firm BASF revealed plans Wednesday for a “double-digit millions” expansion project at its Platinum Group Metals (PGM) refining facility in Seneca, SC to boost the site’s refining capacity for recycled precious metals from spent catalysts. The firm’s site in Seneca manufactures chemicals and precious metal catalysts, which are used to produce an array of goods like fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and automotive emission catalysts.

Pesticide Plant Explosion Kills 4, Injures 10

4 people were killed, and 10 others were hurt Thursday after an explosion at the Crimsun Organics pesticide plant at the SIPCOT industrial estate in Cuddalore, India, local news organizations reported. A reactor vessel exploded at the facility around 7:45 a.m., sources told The Hindu. The explosion caused an ammonia gas leak at the facility, coverage by the United Press of India (UPI) said. Those with injuries were taken to an area hospital for treatment and firefighters responded to the scene to put out flames.

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