Kumho Mitsui JV to increase MDI production capacity

Yeosu, South Korea – Kumho Mitsui Chemicals is expanding the production of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) in Yeosu, in the southern coast of South Korea, Mitsui Chemicals announced 15 Dec 2025.

As part of the decision, the plant will increase its output capacity by 100 kilotonnes per annum (ktpa) to 710 ktpa.

Construction work is set to start in February with completion scheduled for May 2027, said Mitsui Chemicals.

The 50/50 joint venture between Kumho Petrochemical and Mitsui Chemicals was established in 1989 and underwent its most recently expansion in 2024, where it increased production capacity from 410ktpa to 610ktpa.

MDI is a key raw material for polyurethane, widely used in automotive parts, furniture and bedding, insulation for homes and refrigerators, elastic fibres, and various adhesives.

According to Mitsui Chemicals, demand for MDI is projected to grow at an annual rate of 5% account of global measures to improve residential insulation and address global warming.

Kumho Mitsui Chemicals, it said, manufactures and sells “high-performance monomeric, modified, and high-viscosity polymeric types of MDI” used for making car parts, elastic fibres, and highly flame-retardant insulation materials.

It also produces commodity polymeric MDI used for making housing and home appliance insulation.

The facility, said Mitsui Chemicals, is currently operating at full capacity.