Tosoh to study capacity increase for CSM

ERJ staff report (DS)

Tokyo Japan -- Tosoh Corp has issued a statement on the supply of chlorosulphonated polyethylene (CSM) in the light of the recent announcement by DuPont Performance elastomers that it is to close its Hypalon plant in Beaumont, Texas by the end of June.

Tosoh said it has added capacity over the last few years, and now can make around 4000 tonnes/year. depending on the grade lineup. This is double the capacity listed by the IISRP. Nevertheless, the company said, "If DuPont does completely stop production, we can assume that the market could become extremely tight and shortages would be expected by the end of 2009." IISRP lists the Beaumont plant as having capacity for 34 000 tonnes/year.

Tosoh said, "We were just as surprised as everyone else when we heard the news on Friday." The statement added, 'We will be examining the possibility of capacity increases while taking into consideration future demand projections and price trends."

The company said it urges all those who need CSM materials to move ahead with testing Tosoh grades.