Braskem to build Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) plant

Braskem, thermoplastics resins producer, has announced its plans for the construction of an Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) plant – produced under the trade name UTEC – at its site in La Porte, TX.

Groundbreaking of the new plant in La Porte will start during the third quarter of 2014. Construction is expected to last approximately 18 months with a targeted completion date during the first half of 2016.  The US plant’s output will complement the existing UTEC product line that is produced in Brazil.

“We are excited about today’s announcement.  We believe our investment reinforces Braskem’s dedication to the plastics industry and to our strategic markets and clients,” said Fernando Musa, CEO, Braskem America.  “This is the next logical step for our UTEC business as we have been providing UTEC to clients in the United States and Europe for over ten years.  Further, this new plant will potentially enable Braskem to serve more markets than we have been able to serve in the past,” Musa added.

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