01 March 2012 21:04  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS)--Arkema has begun to convert its Bayport butyl acrylate (butyl-A) unit in Texas to a 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA) facility, a company source said on Thursday.

The converted 2-EHA plant will have a production capacity of 40,000 tonnes/year, according to Arkema.

The company would not comment on the rationale behind its decision to switch products made at the plant, but said the unit was built in 2002 to produce only butyl-A.

Consequently, Arkema’s butyl-A production is being consolidated at its Clear Lake plant in Texas.