AkzoNobel’s Speciality Chemicals business has announced plans to double production capacity at its organic peroxides facility in Ningbo, China, during the next two years.

A project to boost the capacity by 40% is already underway and is expected to reach completion by mid-August. The company is now considering a larger scale expansion which would increase current capacity by 100%. The site produces dicumyl peroxide (DCP), an organic peroxide used as a crosslinking agent in the manufacture of polymers.

Johan Landfors, managing director for AkzoNobel’s Polymer Chemistry business, said: “Demand for our products is growing rapidly and expanding our existing facilities provides a great opportunity to meet the needs of our global customers. This expansion will allow us to further grow in our market and solidify our position as the world’s number one producer of organic peroxides.”

“We are committed to our customers and to retaining our leadership position in the industries we serve,including organic peroxides,” added Thierry Vanlancker,AkzoNobel’s executive committee member responsible for Speciality Chemicals. “By continuing to invest in our existing operations and focusing on operational excellence, we will be able to provide reliable supplies to accommodate the growth of our customers.”

Opened in October 2016, the Ningbo DCP plant employs approximately 500 people and houses operations for several of AkzoNobel’s Speciality Chemicals business units. AkzoNobel is also building a new organic peroxides plant in Tianjin, ensuring the company’s long-term commitment to the industry in China.