UBE Breaks Ground on Major DMC and EMC Plant in Louisiana with 100,000 Ton Capacity

UBE Corporation has officially commenced construction of its Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) and Ethyl Methyl Carbonate (EMC) plant in Louisiana, with a groundbreaking ceremony held on February 13. The event was attended by approximately 180 people, including government officials, local community members, and contractors. Key executives from UBE, including President Masato Izumihara and CEO Yuki Nishida, were present to mark this significant milestone.

President Izumihara stated that this investment represents UBE's largest manufacturing commitment in its history. As the sole manufacturer of DMC and EMC in the U.S., the new facility aims to achieve high productivity while leveraging synergies with UBE’s recently acquired high-performance polyurethane systems business. Following UBE's corporate philosophy of "coexistence and prosperity," the company intends to contribute positively to the local community.

DMC and EMC are critical components in lithium battery electrolyte solvents, with increasing demand anticipated for electric vehicles, hybrid cars, and energy storage systems. DMC also serves as a developer material in semiconductor manufacturing. UBE will utilize its proprietary gas-phase nitrous oxide process for DMC production, noted for its lower energy consumption, higher quality, and fewer byproducts compared to traditional vinyl processes. The plant is expected to produce 100,000 tons of DMC and 40,000 tons of EMC annually. Completion is slated for July 2026, with operations beginning in November 2026.

To achieve its 2030 vision of becoming a specialty chemicals company that contributes to global environmental, human health, and future societal needs, UBE aims to expand its low-energy burden, market-resilient, and high-profit specialty businesses while working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.