BASF and Korea's Kolon to Build World's Largest POM Production Complex

A 50-50 joint venture (JV) between BASF, Florham Park, N.J., and Korea’s Kolon Plastics will result in the world’s largest polyacetal (POM) resin production complex and global supply facility. Slated for startup in the second half of 2018, the nearly 155-million lb/yr facility will be located in Gimcheon, Korea, at Kolon Plastics’ existing manufacturing site. The company, a major global player in engineering plastics and specialty compounds, is currently Korea’s sole engineering plastics producer.

Both companies have long-term experience in polyacetal production. The new JV, Kolon BASF innoPOM, Inc., will utilize Kolon’s highly-efficient production technology to provide best-in-class product quality, according to the partners. Following the startup of the new plant, BASF will discontinue production of polyacetal at its world headquarters manufacturing site in Ludwigshafen, Germany. The resins and specialty compounds will be marketed around the world separately by the partners under their respective trade names and proprietary formulations—Ultraform for BASF and Kocetal for Kolon.

Polyacetal is used in broad range of industrial, transportation, construction, and consumer applications. “The markets for POM are growing around the world. Particularly in Asia, the joint venture will strengthen our ability to support our customers with high-performing, innovative specialties,” said Raimar Jahn, president of BASF’s Performance Materials Div.

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