Buoyed by the 'Solo Boom' of Parent Company Kumho Petrochemical
Completion of New Facilities Featuring Proprietary Ultra-Low Temperature Technology
"We Will Lead the Market with High-Value Synthetic Rubber"
Kumho Polychem, a subsidiary of Kumho Petrochemical, has completed the construction of new facilities that significantly expand its production capacity for EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), a specialty synthetic rubber. Despite a sluggish global petrochemical market, Kumho Petrochemical, which has shown strong performance, is making strategic investments in high-performance materials to enhance its competitiveness.
On May 13, Kumho Polychem announced that it had completed the expansion of the fifth EPDM production line at its Plant 2 in Yeosu, Jeonnam, and held a completion ceremony. The event was attended by Park Chan Gu, Chairman of Kumho Petrochemical Group, CEOs of major affiliates, representatives from POSCO E&C, and local figures, who toured the new line and inspected the site. Chairman Park stated, "This will be an opportunity for Kumho Polychem, celebrating its 40th anniversary, to take a significant leap forward."
Baek Jonghun, CEO of Kumho Petrochemical (third from left), Kim Seongyu, CEO of Kumho Polychem, Jung Gi Myung, Mayor of Yeosu, Park Chan Gu, Chairman of Kumho Petrochemical Group, and Park Jun Kyung, General CEO of Kumho Petrochemical, along with other officials, are conducting a tape-cutting ceremony at the completion ceremony of Line 5, Plant 2 of Kumho Polychem in Yeosu, Jeonnam on the 13th. Kumho Petrochemical
With this expansion, Kumho Polychem has increased its annual EPDM production capacity by 70,000 tons, establishing a total production system of 310,000 tons per year. EPDM is a high-value specialty rubber with excellent heat resistance, weather resistance, and chemical resistance, and is widely used across industries that require high durability, including automotive weatherstrips, tire tubes, and construction materials.
The fifth production line incorporates Kumho Polychem's ultra-low temperature polymerization technology, independently developed in 2006. By lowering the temperature to nearly minus 100 degrees Celsius, the process maximizes reaction efficiency. In addition, the introduction of a low-pressure refrigeration system and waste heat recovery system is expected to deliver greater carbon reduction compared to existing lines. Kim Seongyu, CEO of Kumho Polychem, emphasized, "With advanced technology and expanded production capacity, we will strengthen our position in the global EPDM market."
Kumho Petrochemical Group is also pursuing aggressive facility expansion at other affiliates. Last month, Kumho Mitsui Chemicals increased its methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) production capacity by 200,000 tons, bringing its total capacity to 610,000 tons. Kumho Petrochemical headquarters plans to complete an expansion of 35,000 tons for high-performance tire rubber (SSBR) within the year.
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