Kumho Mitsui Chemicals to Further Expand MDI Production, Annual Capacity to Reach 710,000 Tons

Kumho Mitsui Chemicals recently announced at its shareholders' meeting an investment plan to increase the annual production capacity of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) by 100,000 tons. The investment, totaling approximately 140 billion KRW, will raise the company’s total annual output from 610,000 tons to 710,000 tons. The project is scheduled to start in February 2026 and be completed by May 2027.

Since its establishment in 1989, Kumho Mitsui Chemicals has continuously invested in equipment, increasing MDI production capacity from 20,000 tons to the current 610,000 tons. Upon completion of this project, the company will possess one of the world’s highest-level production systems for a single MDI plant.

MDI is a key raw material for polyurethane, with core applications concentrated in insulation materials for construction, home appliances, and energy sectors. This MDI expansion by Kumho Mitsui Chemicals will further enhance its raw material supply capacity for LNG carrier insulation systems and strengthen its production layout for ultra-low temperature insulation materials.

This investment decision comes only eight months after completing a 200,000-ton expansion plant in April last year. The company expects that this investment will increase annual sales by approximately 250 billion KRW and improve profitability through reduced manufacturing costs.

The expansion project also integrates the existing recovery infrastructure installed during previous capacity upgrades, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per unit of MDI produced, improve energy efficiency, and ensure a more sustainable production process.

Kumho Mitsui Chemicals President Won Yong-hyun stated: “This is a strategic project to maximize the use of existing equipment and improve investment efficiency. We will further strengthen our foundation to compete with global manufacturers.”

Kumho Mitsui Chemicals is actively expanding MDI production in South Korea, focusing on product structure upgrades, enhancing general-purpose polymeric MDI for building insulation, as well as high-performance MDI for flame-retardant applications and mobility sectors. Through continuous investment and technological upgrades, the company aims to consolidate its position as a leading global MDI supplier.