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BASF PETRONAS opens Second 2-EHAcid Line in Kuantan

28 Oct '24

3 min read

BASF PETRONAS opens Second 2-EHAcid Line in Kuantan

Pic: BASF

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BASF PETRONAS Chemicals (BPC) has inaugurated a second 2-ethylhexanoic acid production line at its Kuantan, Malaysia site, doubling capacity to 60,000 metric tons annually.
This expansion addresses rising demand in Asia Pacific, strengthens customer support, and enhances BPC's market position as a leading, customer-centric supplier of high-quality sustainable intermediates.

BASF PETRONAS Chemicals (BPC) celebrates the inauguration of its second 2-ethylhexanoic acid (2-EHAcid) production line at the integrated site in Kuantan, Malaysia. This expansion directly responds to the rapidly growing demand for high-quality 2-EHAcid, reaffirming BPC’s commitment to serving its valued regional customers. “This expansion is a significant step in our commitment to profitable growth and value creation. As part of our new strategy, we are dedicated to enhancing the footprint of our core businesses in high-growth Asian markets, ensuring that we meet the increasing needs of our customers with high-quality products,” said Stephan Kothrade, member of the Board of Executive Directors and Chief Technology Officer of BASF SE.

“This expansion enables us to better meet the rapidly growing demand for highquality 2-ethylhexanoic acid in the Asia Pacific region. By enhancing our capacity, we strengthen our responsiveness to customer needs and solidify our position as a leading supplier in the market. We are committed to our vision to be the preferred partner for sustainable intermediates,” said Michael Becker, Senior Vice President, Intermediates Asia Pacific, BASF.

“This successful expansion signifies the ongoing strength of our partnership and shared commitment to growth and collaboration. We are excited about the future of this plant, as the increased capacity strategically positions BPC to capitalise on growth opportunities in the region. With demand for our product continuing to rise, we are well-equipped to meet it efficiently and effectively, ensuring our customers receive top-quality products promptly,” said Mazuin Ismail, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad and Chairman of BPC.

“I want to express my appreciation for the strong partnership with our parent companies, PETRONAS and BASF. Their support has been invaluable in executing this project successfully. I also commend the project team for their excellent work, which has been instrumental in achieving this important capacity enhancement,” added Tan Aik Meam, Managing Director, BPC.

This significant occasion also highlights the organization’s ongoing dedication to customer centricity, as customers joined in celebrating the inauguration of the expansion at the Kuantan Verbund site. Since its establishment in 2016, the 2-EHAcid plant has played an important role in supporting growth in Southeast Asia region. The groundbreaking for a second Production line took place in Q1 2023. As of Q3 2024, the new production line is fully operational, doubling the annual production capacity to 60,000 metric tons, further reinforcing BPC’s dedication to driving innovation and meeting the evolving needs of customers worldwide.