Germany-based chemical producer Bayer MaterialScience AG is expanding its production site in Shanghai for coating and adhesive raw materials.

Scheduled to come on stream in the second quarter of 2008, the company plans to build a new facility for polyurethane dispersions with an annual capacity of 20,000 tons as well as nearly doubling annual production capacity for the aromatic polyisocyanate Desmodur L to 20,500 tons during the second half of 2007. Annual capacity for aromatic grades of the Desmodur IL product line will also be doubled to 5,500 tons by the end of 2007 and production of aliphatic polyisocyanates of the Desmodur N series will be expanded by
the start of 2008.

Waterborne polyurethane dispersions contribute to the reduction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They are used in coating and adhesive formulations, textile and leather coatings and in glass fibre sizings. Applications also include bonds for the soles of athletic shoes.