Urethane Blog
Huntsman and KPX for JV
September 28, 2021
KPX Chemical and Huntsman form Joint Venture in Korea
Download as PDF September 28, 2021 2:00am EDT
Strategic alliance will provide Korean automakers with advanced polyurethane systems solutions
THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Sept. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — KPX Chemical, a leading polyols producer for polyurethanes in Korea, and Huntsman Corporation (NYSE: HUN), a world-leading MDI-based polyurethanes and specialty chemical manufacturer, today announced the establishment of a joint venture named KPX HUNTSMAN POLYURETHANES AUTOMOTIVE CO., LTD. (KHPUA). The joint venture will create and provide innovative polyurethane system solutions to Korean automakers from a specialty polyurethanes manufacturing facility at KPX Chemical’s Ulsan plant. Operations are expected to commence by the end of October.
The Korean automotive industry is undergoing profound changes and presents new opportunities for high performance and light weight polyurethane system solutions. The new joint venture will accelerate growth in this sector by providing sustainable innovations and a high level of technical service support to its customers. KPX Chemical will leverage its 47-years’ experience in polyol technology and know-how by combining it with Huntsman’s proven ability to develop high performance, differentiated, MDI-based automotive solutions for vehicle manufacturers and its fully integrated global supply chain.
Tony Hankins, President of Huntsman’s Polyurethanes division and CEO of Huntsman Asia Pacific, said: “We are delighted to join forces with KPX Chemical. Korea is one of Huntsman’s key markets in Asia and driving continued business growth in the automotive industry is a priority for us. The new joint venture will create and provide customized polyurethane systems solutions to meet local automotive customers’ needs for improved comfort, superior acoustics and light-weighting. By creating value for its customers, KHPUA will enable downstream polyurethanes businesses to develop in a more sustainable way, both economically and environmentally.”
Kim Moon-young, President of KPX Chemical, said: “This cooperation is of great strategic significance to both parties. Together, under the banner of KHPUA, we will leverage the R&D and capacity advantages of KPX Chemical and Huntsman in the region to become the industry’s preferred innovation partner. It is an exciting time to be creating a new venture and we look forward to working with key players in the region to meet growing demand for autonomous vehicles and electric transport solutions that can support the country’s carbon neutrality ambitions.”
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