Bayer MaterialScience, Leverkusen, Germany, has announced plans to invest €20 million in a new aromatic and aliphatic polyisocyanate manufacturing facility ink India as part of its strategy to grow its business in the country and strengthen its position as a market leader in the supply of polyurethane raw materials. The new plant in Ankleshwar (in the northwestern state of Gujurat) is scheduled to go online in 2011.

The facility will produce Desmodul^® polyisocyanates, raw materials for the formulation of a variety of polyurethane coatings, adhesives and sealants.

“This investment underlines our commitment to India and the region,” said Dr. Joachim Wolff, head of the Coatings, Adhesives and Specialties (CAS) business unit and member of the executive committee of Bayer MaterialScience. “The coatings and adhesives sector continues to establish itself in India as its economy grows. The Ankleshwar investment highlights our commitment to this market and will strengthen our ability to meet demand in the future.”

Bayer MaterialScience also has a polyurethane systems house in India - its first in the country - which was opened in Greater Noida, near New Delhi, in 2007.

For more information, visit www.bayermaterialscience.com.