Bayer MaterialScience recently announced it has begun construction of a multipurpose production plant for polyurethane coating raw materials at Chempark Leverkusen in Germany. The products, hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), are used primarily for high-quality and environmentally friendly automotive and industrial coatings, as well as industrial coatings, textile coatings, and adhesives. The company is reportedly investing roughly EUR 35 million (~ $45 million) in the expansion of its production capacities, thus strengthening the site and securing jobs. The plant is scheduled to come on stream in the fall of 2013.

“In keeping with our mission statement, ‘Science for a better life,’ our company develops innovative and sustainable solutions as answers to global megatrends,” said Marijn Dekkers, Ph.D., CEO. “One example is increasing mobility around the world, resulting in rising demand for high-performance automotive coatings. With this investment, Bayer underscores its commitment to the Leverkusen site and to our region.”

“We must adjust our capacities accordingly if we are to meet the rising demand for coating and adhesive raw materials,” said Daniel Meyer, head of the Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties business unit and member of the Executive Committee of Bayer MaterialScience. “We are therefore making targeted investments in the individual regions in order to maintain or further expand our leading market position.”

The new multipurpose plant will be integrated into existing HDI and IPDI production at the Leverkusen site and uses modern and innovative process technologies for the efficient production of both raw materials. This will reportedly enable the company to supply its customers more flexibly and quickly than before.

For more information, visit www.materialscience.bayer.com.