PITTSBURGH—Bayer MaterialScience L.L.C. has acquired DuPont Co.'s Baytown, Texas, aniline production facility.
The firm did not disclose financial terms.
Aniline is a feedstock used to manufacture methylene diphenyl diisocyante, a chemical used to produce rigid polyurethane foams for insulation in the construction industry, as well as coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers and binders.
Bayer said it will assume responsibility for the facility's direct operating personnel. The facility is located within Bayer's Baytown plant, the firm's largest manufacturing facility in the U.S.
Bayer has invested $120 million in its Baytown facility over the last two years in areas such as process, reliability, quality and environmental improvements. The plant produces MDI, toluene diisocyanate and polycarbonate.
"North America is poised for strong MDI growth driven by recovery in the construction market, energy code advancement and home comfort trends," said Craig Caputo, vice president, polyurethanes regional product manager at Bayer. "This strategic acquisition positions Bayer to meet this growing demand while further strengthening our leadership in the polyurethane industry."
Bayer said it is one of the leading producers of high-performance plastics in North America. Its MaterialScience business employs approximately 14,500 employees at 30 production sites around the world, with 2012 sales of $15.8 billion.