Company News
November 28, 2023
Chairman’s Letter
Wanhua Chemical : Converging Passion, Moving Forward Together – A Letter of Gratitude from Chairman to All Wanhua Staff
November 28, 2023 at 10:07 am
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Converging Passion, Moving Forward Together – A Letter of Gratitude from Chairman to All Wanhua Staff
TIME ：2023-11-28
Dear Colleagues,
As sure as day turns to night, another year has flown by, bringing us back to our annual day of gratitude at Wanhua. On this meaningful day, I want to extend my sincere regards to all our teammates, the families of Wanhua teammates, and our friends from every corner who’ve had our back – a massive thank you! We’re truly grateful for your understanding, support, trust, and belief in us.
The year 2023 holds exceptional significance. We’ve seen the international order was going through some real roller coaster changes. As we came out of the pandemic, the global economy is picking itself up, dusting off, and moving forward amidst challenges and opportunities. In this game-changing time, every one of us at Wanhua has pulled together, bringing our surging momentum, and fueling our drive for high-quality development.
Thank you for your contributions that have brought success to Wanhua. Our front-line production crew has been great like never before, fine-tuning our lean manufacturing process. Your dedication to excellence makes our products the go-to choice for customers. Our marketing team has been nailing it with the “broadening sales channels, cooperating in a win-win relationship” approach, continuously delivering value to our customers with standout products and services, and beefing up Wanhua’s global reach. The procurement team, focusing on business needs, has been sticking to the rules and making progress in securing feedstock supply, supplier diversification, and equipment localization. You all have played a part in Wanhua’s success story, winning rave reviews from customers with our stellar products.
A round of applause for sparking Wanhua’s innovation. With continuous innovation, our R&D folks have brought to reality our seventh-gen MDI manufacturing tech, pushing the boundaries of the polyurethane industry and leading a wave globally. You’re driving us towards greater efficiency, better quality, and lower energy consumption. Seizing the opportunities, you’ve made breakthroughs in advanced materials, helping Wanhua’s high-quality development and standing on the cutting edge with world-class products and technology, with your innovative spirit. In an era of ‘innovation inside the box,’ creating an environment where innovation isn’t just encouraged but a norm. Your collective efforts are the fuel that’s propelling Wanhua forward.
Thanks for mapping out Wanhua’s journey. You’ve been trailblazers, across continents, leaving a mark of Wanhua’s diligence everywhere. Our Penglai low-carbon industrial park is rising with the construction of mega ethylene project phase II, not to mention Fujian TDI, Ningxia MDI, Ningbo HDI phase II, and Meishan NMP started operation. You’re painting a picture of Wanhua’s growth day by day, pushing us towards greater heights.
I feel thankful to every unsung hero at Wanhua, for your tireless work and contributions, as even a bit of effort counts and deserves a salute. The sweat, and tears on this journey, the heroes who’ve stepped up when it is the time, and the incredible achievements we’ve accomplished together, have merged into an unstoppable force, moving us confidently towards an extraordinary future of Wanhua.
While the prospects are bright, the road has twists and turns. We’ve ridden the waves of a momentous journey and are now gearing up for even more remarkable glory! Fellow teammates, let’s carry the spirit of gratitude, our grand mission, and our heartfelt passion, and unite as one for exponential growth. Let’s aim to build a world-class enterprise, a legacy that will last for centuries, and write a dazzling story!
A heartfelt gratitude to every one of Wanhua for your unwavering dedication!
Liao Zengtai
November 23, 2023
November 22, 2023
Wanhua Moving Into BDO and Derivatives
Wanhua Chemical : Launched NMP Material Solutions
November 22, 2023 at 07:18 am
Wanhua Chemical Launched NMP Material Solutions
TIME ：2023-11-22
Recently, methylamine facility of Wanhua started production successfully in one shot. It initials from natural gas, through acetylene, then BDO, GBL, methylamine and finally NMP, with an annual capacity of 80kT which is the single largest line in the world. The establishment of this plant is a firm step of Wanhua’s ambition on battery industry.
High-Quality Product:
N-Mthylpyrrolidone (NMP) is an organic solvent used in a variety of industries and applications. For example, anode paste, conductive paste, photoresist, screen cleaner, and as solvent for a series of polymer synthesis like aramid, polyphenylene sulfide(PPS), polyimide(PI). Besides, it can also be seen in insulation coating and some other pharma and petrochemical applications.
When it comes to battery field, the purity, chroma, and free amine are among the key parameters that customers are concerned about. Through innovation and continuous optimization on process and high precision test, Wanhua established comprehensive quality control system resulted a more than 99.9% purity.
Industrial Chain Advantage:
Leveraging Sichuan production base that is deeply integrated and power by green electricity, plus its natural gas supply advantage, the supply chain is secured with consistency.
In the future, Wanhua Chemical will promote the development of li-ion battery industry with the advantages of R&D capability, supply chain competitiveness and industrial park integration. We will participate and build a sustainable battery ecosystem.
November 20, 2023
Hennecke Open House Highlights
Hennecke Inc. looks back on a remarkable Open
House event
Hennecke Inc, the U.S. headquarters of the global Hennecke
GROUP, hosted a highly successful Open House event with
more than 100 visitors from across the country in October. The
event focused on innovation and customer-driven solutions in
polyurethane processing as well as a commitment to a
sustainable future. Customers and partners were offered a
unique opportunity to learn first-hand how Hennecke’s diverse
innovations can drive the success of their own businesses.
The successful Open House was a testament to Hennecke’s North American
subsidiary’s customer-centric approach and commitment to helping them
succeed with customized solutions. “We remain focused on our mission to
provide best-in-class solutions and lead the way in innovation and customer
satisfaction,” said Lutz Heidrich, president of Hennecke’s North American
business unit. “Our success and progress would not be possible without the
partnership and trust of our customers. We are committed to help companies
succeed with our solutions,” added Heidrich.
During the Open House, visitors had the opportunity to learn about various
innovative solutions such as the NEXT-GEN high-pressure metering
machines that offer a wide range of applications to increase customer
efficiencies using digitalization and precision. Hennecke Inc. also offers
solutions that are specially adapted for the North American market such as
the new ECOPLUS MK2 which will be available with Allen-Bradley-based
automation in Q1 of 2024. Another highlight was Hennecke’s mixhead
technology of the MT-E and MT-A series. Visitors were able to explore the
mode of operation and specific advantages using AR technology. The NEXT-
GEN lineup was one of the largest development projects in Hennecke’s
history. Attendees were also able to see firsthand the performance scope of
the new HX pump generation.
In the field of systems technology, Hennecke Inc. is an innovation driver in
the field of tank farm solutions and raw material handling. Hennecke’s
specialists presented unique selling points and advantages and discussed
the profitability of large-scale production facilities using sample calculations.
In addition, the revolutionary FOAMWARE control system for slabstock and
molded foam lines was demonstrated. The attendees were informed about
the increasing importance of blowing agents in PU production and the latest
technological developments in this field. Attendees also had the opportunity
to see live demonstrations of innovative production technologies such as
laser cutting and 3-D printing, and virtual glasses used for assisting
customers remotely saving both time and money.
When it comes to absolute focus on the customer, however, the portfolio in
the field of machine and systems engineering is only part of the measures
that Hennecke Inc. combines under one roof. The modern company
headquarters also includes a customer trial laboratory, a mixhead and pump
repair and training area and a state-of-the-art spare parts warehouse which
utilizes a VLM to store over $2.5 million in inventory.
In addition to these innovations, the open house highlighted Hennecke’s
commitment to sustainability and the steps the company has taken to reduce
its own, as well as its customers’, carbon footprint to ensure a more
sustainable future for all. The customer feedback was very positive: “It was
great to meet the welcoming team of Hennecke Inc. at the Open House. The
machines on display and numerous presentations were impressive and very
informative. It was immediately clear to us that the event will prove very
useful for several current projects.” Says Vinnie Bonaddio of Rogers Foam
Cooperation in Somerville (MA).
www.hennecke.com
November 15, 2023
Carpenter Signs Agreement to Purchase NCFI’s Consumer Products Division
Carpenter Signs Agreement to Purchase NCFI’s Consumer Products Division
Carpenter Co., the world’s largest vertically integrated manufacturer of polyurethane foams, has signed an agreement to acquire the flexible foam assets of NCFI’s Consumer Products Division. The Division, based in Mount Airy, North Carolina, features scientifically-engineered foams for the furniture, mattress, aircraft, aerospace, marine, medical industries, and several additional market segments.
Brad Beauchamp, CEO of Carpenter Co., said, “We are excited to bring the world class products and people of NCFI to Carpenter. This acquisition will further our integration and growth of the Engineered Foams business that we acquired from Recticel earlier this year. The Mt. Airy location and the diverse set of products made therein will complement our current business portfolio.”
The NCFI Consumer Products Division site in Mount Airy will complement Carpenter’s existing operations in Conover, North Carolina, as well as provide additional capacity to make select foam grades offered by the former Recticel Engineered Foams business. Moreover, NCFI’s commitment to sustainability and innovation supports Carpenter’s vision: to be admired for creating products and delivering solutions that help make the world more comfortable, safer, and healthier.
November 13, 2023
Sinochem PO
Sinochem International 400kT PO Facility Set to Produce Qualified Products in December
PUdaily | Updated: November 8, 2023
Since 2022, Sinochem International has successively completed and put into operation major facilities such as phenol acetone, bisphenol A, epoxy chloropropane, and epoxy resin as part of its first-phase C3 project. The 600 ktpa propane dehydrogenation (PDH) facility was recently commissioned for trial production, marking the complete integration of the entire epoxy resin industry chain at Sinochem International’s site in Lianyungang.
Over the years, Sinochem International has undergone a strategic transformation, evolving from a trading-oriented company into an internationally operated conglomerate primarily focused on fine chemical production. Through investments and acquisitions, the company has acquired a significant number of high-quality assets, including majority stakes in companies like Sennics, Yangnong Chemical, Elix Polymers, among others, laying a strong foundation for a successful industrial transformation. The company’s business encompasses chemical intermediates, polymer additives, new materials, new energy, and other traditional sectors, with complementary advantages between industries. Leveraging a green and circular economy industrial chain, Sinochem International has achieved continuous product diversification and efficient resource utilization, establishing a core competitive edge. The products offered include chlorobenzene series, nitrochlorobenzene series, widely used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and dyes. In the field of new materials, the company deals with high-performance fiber materials like aramid and high-strength polyethylene, as well as materials like epoxy chloropropane and epoxy resin used in industries such as coatings and electronics. They also handle lightweight materials such as PU, PC, PS, ABS, and others.
It’s worth mentioning that Sinochem International’s C3 project, with a production capacity of 400 ktpa of propylene oxide (PO), is expected to start commissioning on November 8 and is projected to produce qualified products in early December.
In the context of increasingly stringent environmental regulations, traditional chlorohydrin processes, which have not effectively addressed the “three wastes” issue, are gradually being phased out. In the draft of China’s 2023 Catalogue for Guiding Industry Restructuring, issued by National Development and Reform Commission on July 14, 2023, the calcium saponification chlorohydrin process should be eliminated by December 31, 2025. Following the elimination of a 50 ktpa chlorohydrin-based facility in Shandong, in recent years, chlorohydrin-based PO facilities, such as those in Jinpu, Tianjin, and Fujian, have successively ceased operations. As a result, the proportion of chlorohydrin processes has decreased from 55.9% in 2018 to 27.1% in 2022.
Currently, new PO facilities primarily use direct oxidation (HPPO) and cooxidation (PO/SM, PO/TBA) processes.
Sinochem International is expanding its capacity by 400 ktpa using the direct oxidation process for PO production, and its scale and technology are at the forefront domestically. The C3 project includes a 400 ktpa HPPO facility with supporting facilities, in line with national environmental protection policies. As an environmentally encouraged process, the direct oxidation process can overcome the drawbacks of severe equipment corrosion and high waste generation associated with chlorohydrin processes. This method features a simple process, high product yield, and only generates PO and water during production. Raw materials and auxiliary agents can be recycled, resulting in lower raw material and energy consumption and a significant reduction in production costs. It is also environmentally friendly and non-polluting. Furthermore, the direct oxidation process is expensive and challenging to acquire, with a high entry barrier. Once the facility is operational, Sinochem International will hold a leading position in terms of production capacity and technology in the domestic market.
Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is a co-product produced by ester exchange in the production of propylene glycol. Thanks to green chemistry, new energy promotion, and sustainable development, DMC has gained attention due to its low toxicity and excellent environmental performance. It finds wide applications in various industrial fields. Apart from its traditional uses in adhesives, coatings, developers, and polycarbonates, DMC has seen significant growth in the downstream applications of lithium-ion battery electrolyte solvents, which now account for 30% of its usage. High purity is crucial for these applications, with industrial-grade DMC primarily used in traditional downstream applications and polycarbonates (PC), while battery-grade DMC requires higher purity. Currently, suppliers of battery-grade DMC include Shida Shenghua (75 ktpa), Oxiranchem (20 ktpa), etc. New entrants in this market include Capchem, Sinochem Quanzhou, Zhejiang Petrochemical, and Hualu Hengsheng. In the next 3-5 years, the newly established production capacity for carbonates in China is expected to exceed 4 mtpa, contributing to the increased demand for PO.
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