Mitsubishi Chemical to halt MMA and acrylonitrile production at Hiroshima plant

Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCG) announced its decision to cease the production of MMA monomer and acrylonitrile and acrylonitrile derivatives using the ACH process at its plant in Otake City, Hiroshima Prefecture. After the suspension of production, MCG will exit the chelating agent and acetonitrile business.

MCG produces MMA monomer through three methods: ACH process, C4 process and Alpha technology at its MMA monomer production bases around the world. MCG strengthens the supply chain based on the supply and demand situation and trends of production materials.

In terms of acrylonitrile business, MCG Group has two production bases in Japan, supplying acrylonitrile and acrylonitrile derivatives. They also provide by-products from the acrylonitrile production process as materials for the ACH process to produce MMA.

In order to enhance the competitiveness of MCG in the MMA and acrylonitrile business and optimize the supply system, MCG decided to stop the production of MMA monomer in the ACH process and the production of acrylonitrile and acrylonitrile derivatives in the Hiroshima plant.

However, MCG Group will continue to produce MMA monomer produced by the C4 process at the Hiroshima plant, and will continue to produce acrylonitrile and sodium glycinate at the plant in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, and acrylamide at the plant in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Products that will be discontinued at the Hiroshima factory:

MMA monomer produced by ACH method

Acrylonitrile

Acrylonitrile derivatives (chelating agents, acetonitrile, ammonium sulfate)

The products listed will be discontinued in July 2024.