Ineos Styrolution has broken ground for its new 600,000-tonnes/year ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) plant located in Ningbo, China. The development of the new site is part of Ineos Styrolution’s larger expansion plans into China, following an earlier acquisition of two polystyrene production sites in Ningbo and Foshan.

The location of the new site was selected because of its extensive access to feedstock supply options and excellent supply chain connection to customers. The new site is expected to be operational by 2023.

The ground-breaking ceremony was hosted by Meizhu Fang, Ineos Styrolution APAC Project Director. Attendees included local government and business leaders, engineering and construction representatives, and several project service providers/partners.

“First, we want to thank the Ningbo Municipal Government, Zhenhai District Government, Sinopec Zhenhai Refining & Chemical Co., Ltd., Ningbo Zhoushan Port Group, State Grid Ningbo Power Supply Company and Ningbo Petrochemical Economic and Technological Development Zone administrative committee for providing their very strong support as we embark on this exciting project for our company,” said Steve Harrington, CEO Ineos Styrolution. “The successful completion of this project will be a significant step forward for our ambitious growth plans in China and will allow us to further serve our customers in their domestic market.”

Rob Buntinx, President Asia Pacific at Ineos Styrolution, added: “I am excited to see us building a world-class ABS manufacturing plant here in Ningbo. ABS is a versatile high performance styrenic resin. Its properties make it the material of choice for many everyday products across industries, including automotive, electronics, household, healthcare and toys/sports/leisure. This investment affirms our commitment to support the growth of our customers in Asia.”