International. Bayer MaterialScience has acquired DuPont's aniline production facility in Texas. With the acquisition, Bayer assumes responsibility for the direct operation of the facility.
Aniline is a main raw material used for the manufacture of diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), a versatile chemical used to produce rigid polyurethane foams for insulation in the construction industry, as well as coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers and binders.
The aniline facility is located within Bayer's Baytown plant – the facility of the largest manufacturing company in the United States and a critical asset in its global manufacturing portfolio. Additionally, aniline production fully integrates the Baytown plant along the MDI value chain for greater production flexibility.
North America is poised for strong MDI growth driven by the recovery of construction market trends, advancing energy code and home comfort," said Craig Caputo, vice president of regional management of polyurethanes at Bayer.
The acquisition also reinforces Bayer's commitment to the Baytown facility. Over the past two years, Bayer has invested nearly US$120 million in process, reliability, quality and environmental improvements at the plant, which in addition to MDI produces toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and polycarbonate.
