Plant Watch
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical builds new electronic materials plant in Thailand
November 11, 2025 — Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co. (MGC; Tokyo; www.mgc.co.jp) completed construction of a new plant expansion at MGC Electrotechno (Thailand) Co. (ETT), a subsidiary dedicated to manufacturing bismaleimide triazine (BT) materials for semiconductor packages. This new plant doubles ETT’s production capacity.
LyondellBasell installs new cast-film line at Cincinnati Technology Center
November 10, 2025 — LyondellBasell Industries B.V. (LYB; Rotterdam, the Netherlands; www.lyb.com) installed a new cast-film line at its Cincinnati Technology Center. The system can produce film thicknesses ranging from 102 microns down to 10 microns, with a maximum throughput of approximately 1,300 lb/h. LYB installed the new cast-film line to support the development of high-performance stretch films.
Evonik expands long-chain polyamide production capacity in China
November 3, 2025 — Evonik Industries AG (Essen, Germany; www.evonik.com) announced successful trial production of the second polyamides reactor at its Shanghai, China site. The project supports the doubling of Evonik’s long-chain polyamides production capacity in Asia, and also will increase the local production of a range of high-performance polymers, including elastomers. High-performance polyamides are key materials used for lightweight automotive components and energy storage.
BASF will construct electronic-grade ammonium hydroxide plant
October 30, 2025 — BASF SE (Ludwigshafen, Germany; www.basf.com) constructed a new electronic-grade ammonium hydroxide plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany, in support of wafer cleaning, etching and other precision processes in semiconductor manufacturing. Operations are expected to start in 2027.
Cambrex investing $120 million to expand manufacturing site in Iowa
October 27, 2025 — Cambrex (East Rutherford, N.J.; www.cambrex.com), a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), announced a $120-million investment to expand its Charles City, Iowa site by around 40%, enabling a production capacity of nearly 1 million L. The facility manufactures active pharmaceutical ingredients and intermediates, including highly potent molecules and controlled substances. Cambrex is also expanding manufacturing capacity for peptide therapeutics in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Clariant forms JV with Fuhua Chemical for non-halogenated flame retardants
November 6, 2025 — Clariant AG (Muttenz, Switzerland; www.clariant.com) created a strategic joint venture with Fuhua Chemical Industry Co. Ltd. (Shaangxi, China; www.fuhua-chemical.com) focused on developing new non-halogenated flame retardants. The new initiative, which is subject to customary approval from relevant authorities, aims to create next-generation phosphorus-based flame retardants to serve several industries, including building and construction, automotive manufacturing and electronics.
Syensqo to divest Oil & Gas business to SNF Group
October 31, 2025 — Syensqo S.A. (Brussels, Belgium; www.solvay.com) announced that it has entered into an agreement to divest its Oil & Gas business to specialty chemical company SNF Group (Andrézieux-Bouthéon, France; www.snf.com) for an enterprise value of €135 million. Syensqo’s Oil & Gas business specializes in oilfield stimulation chemicals and generated net sales of approximately €400 million in 2024.
Albemarle sells controlling stake in Ketjen refining catalyst business
October 30, 2025 — Albemarle Corp. (Charlotte, N.C.; www.albemarle.com) has entered into a definitive agreement to sell a controlling stake in Ketjen Corp.’s refining-catalyst solutions business to private equity firm KPS Capital Partners, LP. Albemarle and KPS, through affiliates, will own approximately 49% and 51% of Ketjen at close, respectively, with KPS having a majority of the Board of Directors and operational control of Ketjen. Albemarle will retain 100% of Ketjen Corp.’s Performance Catalyst Solutions (PCS) business, including the PCS plant in Pasadena, Tex. Separately, Albemarle will sell the entirety of its 50% interest in the Eurecat joint venture to Axens S.A.
Air Liquide to acquire India-based gas firm NovaAir
October 27, 2025 — Air Liquide S.A. (Paris; www.airliquide.com) entered into an agreement to acquire NovaAir, a leading industrial gas producer and supplier in India, from PAG, an Asia-focused private equity firm. NovaAir is a full-service industrial gases player, supplying bulk gases and critical specialty gases. The company serves customers in the steel, automotive, fabrication, electronics, photovoltaic and healthcare industries, among others. ■
Mary Page Bailey