SABIC-Mitsubishi Jv Begins Operations of MMA and PMMA Plants in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Methacrylates Company (SAMAC) – a joint venture between Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) and SABIC – has announced the completion of pilot operation of production facilities in Al-Jubail, Saudi Arabia for methyl methacrylate monomer (MMA) and poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) and commenced commercial operations.

The newly commissioned plants have a production capacity 250,000-tpa of MMA and 40,000-tpa of PMMA. These products are set to diversify materials used in industrial clusters, allowing expansion and further diversification in the country’s industrial sector.

The MMA monomer plant uses MCC’s new ethylene method, known as Alpha Technology, to produce the product.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, SABIC Executive Vice President, Petrochemicals said, “Our strategic joint venture with MCC broadens our speciality portfolio by drawing on the technological expertise of MCC, owner of the world-class Alpha technology. We are committed to serving the global and local markets, and supporting the development of downstream growth in Saudi Arabia in line with Saudi Vision 2030.” MCC will use SAMAC as a strategic supply base for markets in Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

POM facility opened

SABIC also announced the inauguration the first ever polyacetal (POM) plant in the Middle East and Africa region at its joint venture manufacturing affiliate, The National Methanol Company (Ibn Sina), in Jubail. The new plant has a capacity of 50,000 metric tons.

Ibn Sina is a jv of SABIC with CTE, which is jointly owned by Celanese and Duke Energy.

Polyacetal is a semi-crystalline thermo-plastic material that has the potential to replace metal in many applications due to its high strength, exceptional dimensional stability and ease of machining.