Wacker Chemie AG officially ramped up its new production plant for vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer (VAE) dispersions at its Nanjing site (Jiangsu province, China). With the additional 60,000 metric tons from the second reactor line, the local VAE dispersion capacity is doubling to total 120,000 metric tons per year. The plant complex is one of the largest of its kind in China. At the same time, the group is currently building a new plant at Nanjing to produce polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) solid resins with an annual capacity of 20,000 metric tons. It is scheduled to come on stream in late 2013. Capital expenditures for both projects will amount to approximately €40 million.

Wacker says the dispersion-plant expansion is it’s response to the rising demand for high-quality VAE dispersions, especially in China and Southeast Asia’s emerging markets. The project goal is to ensure sufficient capacities for the strong demand for Vinnapas VAE dispersions now and in the years ahead.

Located in the Nanjing Chemical Industrial Park, Wacker’s fully integrated site already manufactures VAE dispersions and dispersible polymer powders for the construction, coatings and adhesives sectors. The second plant’s additional capacity is also aimed at meeting strong growth in construction, paper, carpet and nonwoven applications.