Clariant partners with Lummus Novolen for PP catalyst line

Swiss chemical maker Clariant International Ltd. and Germany-based Lummus Novolen Technology GmbH are jointly investing in a new polypropylene (PP) catalyst production line at Clariant’s catalyst production hub in Louisville, Kentucky,

The companies are investing approximately 65 million Swiss francs (US$70 million) in the line, which is expected to be on stream in 2015

“The strategic partnership with Lummus Novolen is a significant milestone for the catalyst business. It strengthens our competitive position in a market with future perspectives and strong growth rates,” said Hariolf Kottmann, CEO of Clariant, in a press release

According to Clariant, the two companies expect the PP Ziegler-Natta catalyst market to continue the high growth pace shown over the last decade with estimated growth rates of more than five per cent in the next five years.