Area Development
CB&I, a leading provider of technology and infrastructure for the energy industry, and Swiss-based specialty chemicals company Clariant, opened their new joint-venture polypropylene catalyst production plant in Louisville, Kentucky.

According to CB&I officials the partnership with Clariant strengthens both companies' position in polypropylene catalyst and technology by leveraging joint research and development efforts. It brings Clariant's production experience together with CB&I's expertise in catalyst, process design and licensing of polypropylene plants.

Philip K. Asherman, CB&I's President/CEO said: "We are pleased to partner with Clariant in developing this state-of-the-art catalyst facility. This facility will ensure high-quality and high-capacity catalysts output for our customers and the polypropylene industry."

The new plant is the largest U.S. production hub for Clariant's catalysts and will produce next generation catalysts for CB&I's Novolen technology licensees and the global polypropylene industry, officials explained. "The new plant will manufacture high-performing, innovative catalysts to help the global industry efficiently produce a complete portfolio of polypropylene resins," Asherman added. "This is an excellent example, from a technology standpoint, of how CB&I is able to control more of our supply chain to benefit our customers and key parts of our business."

Clariant CEO Hariolf Kottmann said, "The new production plant in Louisville marks a significant step forward for our Catalysts Business Unit. Our catalysts contribute extensively to value creation in our customers' operations, and the catalysts coming from this special plant will help to ensure that raw materials and energy are used efficiently in polypropylene production."

According to Clariant officials, the addition of the PP catalyst facility further strengthens Louisville as the most important site for Clariant's Business Unit Catalysts in North America. It combines Sales, Technical Service, R&D, Technical Center, Pilot plants and Production.

The new PP catalyst facility is part of Clariant's long-term strategic partnership with CB&I's Novolen technology business. The innovative catalysts produced here will help the global polypropylene industry to efficiently produce a complete portfolio of polypropylene resins, officials added.