Kraton Performance Polymers Inc. recently announced it is advancing its Asian expansion strategy to support new and existing customers. To that end, Kraton is forming a 50/50 joint venture with Formosa Petrochemical Corp. to construct and operate a 30-kiloton hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer (HSBC) plant in Mailiao, Taiwan. The plant will use state-of-the-art technology and support global demand for Kraton’s differentiated HSBCs. It will also reportedly provide significant, additional supply capability, and is intended to set a new global standard for efficiency and product quality for HSBCs. Plant operation is expected in the first half of 2014.

“We are committed to our customers in China and the Asia-Pacific region,” said Kevin M. Fogarty, president and CEO. “Kraton will continue to expand its technology and service offerings as we work with our customers to meet their needs and help them grow.”

For more information, visit www.kraton.com.