The Saudi Methacrylates Co. (SAMAC), a joint venture between Mitsubishi Chemical Corp. (MCC) and Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC), has successfully completed performance tests of its plants for production of methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in Saudi Arabia. The company has also commenced commercial operation of both plants on 2 April 2018.
SAMAC commenced test production and achieved in-specification production of both MMA monomer and PMMA in November 2017, after which first shipment of MMA to customers was made. It has been in the process of optimising operations since then.
The compnay’s manufacturing facilities in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, include the largest MMA monomer plant, which uses MCC Group's New Ethylene Method (Alpha Technology) for producing MMA monomer. The PMMA plant uses MCC Group’s PMMA technology and MMA monomer as the key raw material.
Global demand for the MMA monomer is expected to keep growing steadily. MCC will utilise SAMAC as a strategic supply base for markets in Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa. This new plant will strengthen and optimise MCC’s global network of MMA production plants and ensure MCC’s continued ability to reliably and efficiently serve and support its present and future customers’ needs.