Huntsman commissions new MDI splitter in Geismar, La.

Commercial operations have begun at the new MDI splitter at Huntsman Corp.’s site in Geismar, La., in a $180 million project.

The new splitter enables Huntsman to produce higher value differentiated grades from the crude MDI that is manufactured at the site. It will, according to Tony Hankins, president of the company’s PU division, allow customers to be supplied with more options for creating innovative, sustainable PU products in sectors such as automotive, furniture, construction, adhesives and coatings.

The splitter was given an official opening  July 13, with senior company members, local politicians and customers in attendance.

"Our new splitter bridges the gap between our upstream MDI manufacturing assets and the downstream needs of our customers, both domestic and international," Jan Buberl, Huntsman’s PU vice president for the Americas region, said at the event. "Our mission is to deliver what our customers need to help them innovate and grow. This investment will strengthen our ability to meet, and exceed, those expectations."