DALLAS - The Emulsion Polymers business of Celanese Corp. formally dedicated its expanded vinyl acetate/ethylene (VAE) unit in Nanjing, China. The expansion, which doubles the original capacity of the VAE unit, came online in the second quarter.

“This VAE unit expansion is a reflection of Celanese’s commitment to the further development of vinyl-based emulsion solutions spanning a broad range of end-use applications including areas such as low-VOC, low-odor paints with our EcoVAE® binder, specialty adhesives, and building and construction applications. Today, we are servicing the needs of our customers with our differentiated product portfolio through two manufacturing units,” said Phillip McDivitt, General Manager.

Commitment was the theme of the speeches by McDivitt and other Celanese executives during the daylong event that hosted a large audience of customers, trade association representatives, company personnel and media. “As evidenced by this new emulsions facility, Celanese Emulsions is strongly committed to you, our customers in China and across Asia. We appreciate your trust in us to develop product solutions that drive value into your business. Your success is our success,” said McDivitt.

Celanese’s broader, corporate investment in China was also noted in the speeches. “Celanese has shown a strong commitment to China and Asia with its continued investments here in Nanjing and across the region. There are now eight units here at the Celanese Nanjing Chemical Complex and more are planned at this facility, which is already Celanese’s largest complex in the world,” said Josh Cheng, President of Celanese China. “In addition to our manufacturing investments, today we also celebrate the opening of the Celanese Shanghai Commercial and Technology Center, which opened earlier this year. The CSCT houses hundreds of employees to service our customers in China and throughout Asia both on a business and technical level,” Cheng said.

A traditional lion dance including dotting of the eyes was performed during the ceremony to bring good luck and fortune to the new facility and business according to traditional Chinese folklore. In addition to the festivities at the tent located outside the new unit, attendees were also given a driving tour of the entire complex, which included an explanation of the integration of the many chemical units

A highlight of the evening program was a brief video showcasing the company’s efforts in the region and a time-lapse account of the building of the new plant.