Engineering begins with an idea at a one-stop specialist for chemical and polymer projects  – Can a process that traces its roots back to the 19th century become even better today? Can the production capacity of a PET plant be enhanced by over 100 % without replacing the main reactor? And can a one-stop engineering provider still have a specific solution for each problem? The answer to all this questions is — yes, with the right ideas.

Clariant will significantly expand the capacity of its catalysts production facility in Panjin, Liaoning province, Northeast China. A double-digit million dollar investment is to further optimize the existing facility and enable the creation of a new state-of-the-art production line for Syn Dane maleic anhydride (MA) catalyst.

SNF has plans to have a total emulsion-grade PAM production capacity of 1 million Mt/year in the U.S. by the end of 2020. With an aim to support this move, the company is actively investing in upstream monomer production capabilities.

Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation announced that Diamond Edge Ventures has invested in Fluence Analytics, a startup spun-off from Tulane University in 2013. The company provides real-time analytics solutions called “Acomp” (Automatic Continuous Online Monitoring of Polymerization), an online monitoring system for chemical reactions such as polymer synthesis.

Sibur’s Blagoveshchensk site has completed reconstruction of the terephthalic acid production facility, the only one currently in Russia

BASF, Solvay and Domo Chemicals agreed that Domo will acquire the European PA6.6 business from Solvay. This transaction is targeted to close by the end of 2019 and remains subject to the approval of the relevant competition authorities.

Sibur and Gazprom Neft under its joint venture firm ‘Sibgazpolimer’ signed an agreement with the Titan Group to acquire 50 % stake in one of Russia's largest polypropylene facilities, Poliom. Sibur now aims to develop the facility’s polymer range whereas Gazprom Neft is expected to develop its petrochemical production.

Tosoh has undertaken the move with an aim to meet the growing demand of chloroprene rubber in the region. The company also has plans to renew its facilities and further expand its business.

Neste recently held a foundation stone ceremony in Singapore. The ceremony marked the extension of a new production line which aims to expand the firm’s renewable products production capacity in the country.

Fluence Analytics intends to use the new funds to support its paid proof of performance trials, expand sales activities, and invest in new hardware and software capabilities. The investment comes post the startup announcing a Series A-1 funding round.