Celanese announced that it will add a new GUR® ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) production line at its Bishop plant in Texas, USA, to support and meet the huge growth demand of its high-value GUR® engineered material portfolio.
Tom Kelly, Senior Vice President of Celanese Engineering Materials: "It is estimated that by 2025, the compound growth rate of electric vehicle demand will exceed 25%, thereby driving strong demand for Celanese GUR® lithium battery separators. Customers rely on Celanese to provide Reliable GUR® products that meet stringent quality standards. The expansion of Bishop's integrated chemical plant will enable Celanese to continue to support a growing and diversified customer base in response to the growing demand for specialty materials such as ultra high Molecular weight polyethylene."
Starting in 2022, this new production line is expected to add 15,000 tons of GUR® product capacity each year.
Following the completion of the GUR® expansion of the Nanjing Integrated Chemical Plant in June 2019, Celanese is a truly global supplier of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, which gives us a unique ability to compete in Asia, North America and Europe. Customers work closely together.
"With the explosive growth of global electric vehicles, the demand for lithium battery separators in Asia and Europe will increase substantially in the next five years. As a trusted material partner for customers, Celanese promises to further invest in local production capacity and provide stable Supply." Kelly concluded.