$100 million PTT plant to go up in Canada
19 Feb 2002
Shell Chemicals Canada has signed a contract with SGF Chimie to form a 50/50 limited partnership to build and operate the first world-scale polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) plant near Montreal, Québec, Canada.
The partnership between Shell Chemicals Canada and SGF Chimie will be called PTT Poly Canada. The project value is estimated at over $100 million.
The company will benefit from a contribution of $15 million from Investissement Québec, including a loan of $5 million, for the implementation of this plant which will create 750 direct and indirect jobs, as well as 1000 jobs during construction phase.
PTT is a thermoplastic polymer that can be spun into both fibres and yarns that are long-wearing, inherently stain resistant and easy to clean. Shell's trade name for PTT is Corterra Polymers, and its products have applications in carpeting, textiles, apparel, films and other products. The primary focus for the new plant will be the carpet market in North America.
The facility should begin operation by the fourth quarter of 2003. The capacity will be 95,000 metric tons per year. The facility will use proprietary technology developed by a Shell affiliate and Zimmer AG which will be licensed to the partnership. A Shell affiliate will also provide sales and marketing services.
The primary feedstocks for PTT are 1,3-propanediol (PDO) and purified terephthalic acid (PTA). The PTA will come from an SGF/Interquisa CA$700 million plant currently being built nearby. A Shell affiliate will supply PDO from its Geismar, Louisianna plant.
