Powder & Bulk Solids provides a roundup of the biggest chemical industry stories that were published in June 2021.

John S. Forrester, former Managing Editor

July 8, 2021

3 Min Read
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Representative imageImage courtesy of Pixabay

June was a busy month for the chemical industry. Several major firms revealed plans for new facilities or expansions of existing sites last month, while a massive blaze at a chemical manufacturing site left 18 dead. A top chemical industry player named a new CEO. Powder & Bulk Solids editors selected these posts to provide our audience with an overview of some of the most interesting chemical industry-related developments that were reported in the last month.

New Chairman and CEO Named to Helm BASF Corp.

The North American affiliate of German chemical giant BASF SE, BASF Corp., recently named Michael Heinz as its new chairman and chief executive officer. The role became effective on June 1. During his nearly 40-year tenure with BASF, Heinz has spent over a decade in leadership positions in the US. He has also led BASF’s activities in Mexico and Ecuador, was in charge of the firm’s Crop Protection division and oversaw the integration of two major acquisitions, Ciba AG and Cognis GmbH.

18 Killed in Chemical Manufacturing Plant Blaze

18 people were killed, and 20 others were injured after a fire broke out Monday at the SVS Aqua Technologies chemical plant in Pune, India. The blaze ignited at about 3:45 p.m. at the facility, trapping more than 35 people inside the structure, coverage by the BBC said. Responding crews were forced to break into the structure’s walls to free the workers.

Dow Plans New MDI Distillation and Prepolymers Plant

American chemicals and materials giant Dow revealed plans last month to construct a new integrated MDI distillation and prepolymers facility at its manufacturing site in Freeport, TX. The asset will replace its existing North American capacity in La Porte, TX and will allow the firm to increase its supply of the product by 30%.

Large Fire Causes HCL Release at Chemical Plant

Firefighters were sent to the Dover Chemical Corp. plant in Dover, OH in June after a large blaze ignited in the middle of a building at the site. Officials said the fire disrupted a process, causing a release of hydrochloric acid (HCL). No injuries were reported.

Huntsman Expanding Ethylene Carbonate Capacity at Texas Site

Differentiated and specialty chemical manufacturer Huntsman Corp. intends to expand production of ULTRAPURE Ethylene Carbonate at its Conroe, TX production facility in response to a growing market for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles (EVs) and electronics. Work on the expansion is slated to reach completion in 2023.

2 Hurt in Fire at DAK Americas PET Resin Plant

A blaze ignited at the DAK Americas resin and fiber manufacturing facility in Moncks Corner, SC, prompting a response from a number of area fire departments and EMS and law enforcement personnel. Two workers were burned by chemicals while carrying out routine work duties, officials told television news station WCBD. They were transported area hospitals for treatment.

To view more chemical industry articles, click here.

About the Author(s)

John S. Forrester

former Managing Editor, Powder & Bulk Solids

John S. Forrester is the former managing editor of Powder & Bulk Solids.

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