Celanese Corporation CE has unveiled its plans to expand the manufacturing production capacity for GUR ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) at its Bishop, TX-based facility. The expansion will increase the capacity of the facility to 38 kT/a.
By increasing the production capacity, the company will be able to reach out to more people, thereby expanding its customer base. This move will also help it better serve the increasing consumer need for materials in high-value lithium-ion battery, medical & pharmaceutical, and filtration application. The expansion will further strengthen the company’s position as the world’s leading producer of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, with the broadest portfolio of grades among its competitors.
Further, the capacity expansion will enable Celanese to launch two medical GUR grades for the pharmaceutical industry. The new products will leverage the company’s expertise in manufacturing engineered materials, with stringent raw material controls for complying with pharmaceutical regulations related to product consistency and quality. The new grades will cater to customer applications including filtering, purification of liquid drug formulations, and mechanically operated devices used in drug contact and delivery.
GUR UHMWPE, a linear polyethylene with much higher molecular weight than standard PE, offers excellent abrasion resistance, superior impact strength, non-sticking and self-lubricating properties, and excellent mechanical characteristics, even in cryogenic conditions. The material is 8 times lighter than steel and lasts 10 times longer as compared to high density PE in harsh environments. Celanese provides GUR UHMWPE grades for applications including orthopedic implants, water & air filtration, battery separators, fibers, additives and membranes.
Celanese’s shares closed 0.4% lower at $62.18 on Jan 8.
The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Better-ranked stocks in the diversified chemical space include Koninklijke DSM N.V. RDSMY, PPG Industries Inc. PPG and Stepan Company SCL. While Koninklijke sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), both PPG Industries and Stepan carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
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