Ludwigshafen, Germany, March 24--BASF is planning to phase out nylon (nylon 6) polymers production at it Enka, N.C. site by 2007 and consolidate production of these materials at its site in Freeport, Texas, according to Inteletex.
"Reaching this decision was difficult, but unfortunately necessary for BASF to compete in the North American nylon market," said Jack Dellinger, general manager of BASF's Enka site. "Production needs to be consolidated into the Freeport site in order for BASF to reduce its costs and improve efficiency, which is critical for us to achieve in this industry."
The new installation at Freeport is scheduled to be completed in early 2007, and will create ten new jobs. Approximately 50 jobs will be affected by the Enka shut down.
"BASF remains committed to the North American nylon market," said Art Colwell, vice president and general manager of BASF's Freeport site. "This project is a strong reflection of the Freeport site's importance to BASF's success in North America."
"Expanding production capacity for nylon polymers at BASF's Freeport complex will help the company to maintain its leadership position in this important market," Colwell said. "The synergies gained by consolidating our North American manufacturing for these materials here at Freeport will enable us to achieve a competitive advantage."
BASF's investment and capacity details of the new installation have not been disclosed.
The nylon 6 value chain includes caprolactam that is primarily used to produce nylon polymers for various application including fibres for textile, carpet and industrial applications.
