The plant has been
initially designed to manufacture special catalysts
for two new BP processes. The first of these, known
as LEAPTM, uses fluid bed technology to
produce vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), a key intermediate
for polymer manufacturing. Johnson Matthey has worked
in close partnership with BP to optimise the performance
of the catalyst for this application by a number
of technical enhancements and also to scale up production
of the catalyst.
The second BP process
is called AVADATM and is used for the
manufacture of ethyl acetate in a single step. This
new process is simpler than other routes and is suited
to locations where feed stocks for the current processes
are not competitively available.
While this new facility
will initially be used to produce these two catalysts
for BP, it is highly versatile and significantly
enhances Johnson Matthey's capacity to manufacture
a wide range of catalysts for the fine and speciality
chemicals industries.
Commenting on the
opening of the new process catalyst plant Neil Carson,
Executive Director said:
"The best results
are always achieved when our teams are working in
close partnership with our customers and this project,
the latest to result from our longstanding collaboration
with BP, is a prime example. This new facility is
a reflection of Johnson Matthey's strong process
catalyst technology and our continuing commitment
to supply innovative products to our customers around
the world."
