New Hercules HEC Plant in China
WILMINGTON, DE, NOVEMBER 28, 2006 - Hercules Incorporated (NYSE:HPC) today announced that its Aqualon business unit will build a world-scale manufacturing plant in Nanjing, China for its hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) family of products.
Hercules signed a Letter of Intent today with the Nanjing Chemical Industry Park (NCIP), where the plant will be located. The NCIP is a modern, highly integrated chemical manufacturing complex strategically located with excellent logistics to supply Chinese and export customers. The new plant’s annual production capacity will be 15,000 metric tons and is expected to start up in mid-2008. Chuck Herak, Aqualon’s General Manager of Coating Additives and Asia Pacific, commented, “This major investment demonstrates Aqualon’s commitment to the strategic HEC business and enhances Aqualon’s strong leadership position. With HEC assets in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, Aqualon will be well positioned to supply our global customers’ increasing requirements.”