Röhm announced that it will officially close the methyl methacrylate (MMA) plant in Westwego, Louisiana, USA in June 2025, and its US MMA production capacity will be transferred to the under construction in the future The new plant in Texas, USA, has a designed MMA production capacity of 250,000 tons per year and is planned to be completed and put into operation in the first half of 2024.
Jack, President of ROHM USA
Chenault said the decision to close the Westwego plant was based on a strategic, financial and production network analysis conducted by Rohm, taking into account the improved efficiencies and distribution capabilities that the future Bay City, Texas plant will provide.
The future closure of the Westwego plant will also affect the future employment of about 70 employees at the plant. Rohm said it will provide guidance and support to affected employees by cooperating with industry resources and the American Steelworkers Union. Advance notification and collaboration with all stakeholders are aimed at ensuring a smooth transition and mitigating hardship for affected employees, including providing financial options.
Rohm’s new plant in Texas will adopt its latest proprietary production technology LiMA (“Leading Methacrylate”), which will be jointly constructed by Rohm and OQ Chemicals, OQ
Chemicals will supply key raw materials for the new plant and provide Röhm with on-site services and utilities. To this end, OQ
Chemicals has invested heavily in additional capacity for propionaldehyde and local infrastructure.