Shin-Etsu restarts silicones monomer plant following fire

Rayong, Thailand – Shin-Etsu has restarted operation at its silicones monomer production plant in Rayong, Thailand following a fire on 19 Oct.

The company announced 31 Oct that the plant, which is run by Shin-Etsu subsidiary Asia Silicones Monomer Ltd. had obtained permission from the supervising authorities to resume operations.

The Japanese speciality chemicals supplier said in earlier press releases that that the fire broke out at 8:20am on 19 Oct, and was put out 15 minutes later.

No injuries have been reported and the silicones manufacturer is currently investigating the damage to the facilities.

The fire, said Shin-Etsu, occurred while work was being carried to remove a by-product. During the process a container caught fire. The cause of the fire is now under investigation.