BASF JV Starts Up New Polyoxymethylene Plant in KoreaBASF JV Starts Up New Polyoxymethylene Plant in Korea

A joint venture between German chemical giant BASF and Korean plastics manufacturer KOLON PLASTICS recently commenced operations at a new, $200 million polyoxymethylene (POM) production facility located in Gimcheon, Korea, a press release announced Thursday.

The new KOLON BASF innoPOM Inc. facility adds 70,000 mt/yr of capacity to KOLON’s existing capacity of 80,000 mt/yr at Gimcheon. BASF said the combined annual capacity of 150,000 mt make the plant the “world’s largest” production plant for POM across the globe. 

Combining the German firm’s quality control system and technologies with KOLON’s production capabilities, the new site will supply POM to both companies. KOLON BASF innoPOM Inc.’s plant has separate production systems geared toward each firm’s specifications. 

“The new plant we have built together with KOLON PLASTICS sets and industry benchmark for the production of POM. It employs innovative environmental management standards that improve production efficiency, resulting in less energy use,” said Raimar Jahn, president of BASF’s Performance Materials unit, in a statement. “With BASF’s first POM production in Asia, we will be able to provide a stable supply of high-quality POM to the Asia Pacifc region, as well as to the rest of the world.”

POM is used in the production of vehicle components and other applications necessitating the use of highly durable, lightweight engineering plastics. Construction on the site commenced 

BASF and KOLON launched KOLON BASF innoPOM Inc. in 2016. Construction on the joint venture’s plant started in April 2016 and reached completion within 27 months. 

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