Basf will start the construction of a new methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) synthesis unit at the company’s Verbund site in Geismar, Louisiana, at the beginning of the second quarter of 2018. Planning and engineering for the new unit started in 2016 and were recently completed.

The new plant is an important step to double Basf’s annual MDI capacity in Geismar from 300,000 metric tons to close to 600,000 metric tons in the medium term. With this investment, Basf supports the growth of its North American MDI customers.

MDI is an important component for polyurethanes - an extremely versatile plastics material that contributes to improved insulation for appliances, provides lighter materials for cars and helps save energy in buildings.