BASF Petronas Chemicals Launches Expanded 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Facility in Malaysia

BASF Petronas Chemicals (BPC) has officially opened its newly expanded 2-ethylhexanoic acid (2-EHAcid) production facility at its integrated site in Kuantan, Malaysia. The expansion doubles the plant's annual production capacity to 60,000 metric tons, effective from the third quarter of 2024.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by key figures from both BASF and PETRONAS, including Dr. Ketan Joshi, President of BASF's Intermediates Division; Dr. Michael Becker, Senior Vice President of Intermediates Asia Pacific at BASF; Encik Zamri Japar, Chief Manufacturing Officer of PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad; and Tan Aik Meam, Managing Director of BASF Petronas Chemicals.

The new production line marks a significant step in BPC's strategy to strengthen its presence in high-growth Asian markets and meet the rapidly increasing demand for high-quality 2-EHAcid. This expansion underscores BPC's commitment to serving its valued regional customers with reliable and superior products.

Stephan Kothrade, member of the Board of Executive Directors and Chief Technology Officer of BASF SE, emphasized that the expansion aligns with the company's new strategy for profitable growth and value creation. "We are dedicated to enhancing the footprint of our core businesses in high-growth Asian markets, ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of our customers with high-quality products," he said.

Dr. Michael Becker echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of the expansion in addressing the growing demand for 2-EHAcid in the Asia Pacific region. "By doubling our capacity, we can better serve our customers and solidify our position as a leading supplier in the market. Our vision is to be the preferred partner for sustainable intermediates, and this expansion is a crucial step in achieving that goal," he added.

Mazuin Ismail, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Petronas Chemicals Group Berhad and Chairman of BPC, praised the successful expansion as a testament to the ongoing strength of the partnership between BPC, PETRONAS, and BASF. "The increased capacity strategically positions BPC to capitalize on growth opportunities in the region. We are well-equipped to meet the rising demand for our product efficiently and effectively, ensuring our customers receive top-quality products promptly," he said.

Tan Aik Meam, Managing Director of BPC, also expressed his gratitude for the strong partnership with PETRONAS and BASF. "Their support has been invaluable in executing this project successfully. I commend the project team for their excellent work, which has been instrumental in achieving this important capacity enhancement," he added.

The expansion of the 2-EHAcid production facility is a significant milestone for BPC, demonstrating its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers and maintaining its position as a leading supplier in the Asia Pacific region.