Kuraray America, Inc. has opened its new $300 million, 81-acre, green-field KURARAY POVAL plant in Pasadena, Texas, which further distinguishes Kuraray Co., Ltd. as the largest producer of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) in the world.
“Today is an exciting opportunity for Kuraray America, Inc., as we continue to increase our footprint within the Bayport area,” says Bob Chvala, VP and general manager of the PVOH business unit, Kuraray America, Inc. “Adding the KURARAY POVAL site to our portfolio will only ensure continued growth for our company and provide our customers with the ability to purchase product from a truly global scale.”
The new KURARAY POVALT plant will produce 40,000 metric tons of PVOH annually and employ a total workforce of nearly 100 employees (54 Kuraray employees and 40 contract personnel). Kuraray America, Inc. employs over 400 people in the Houston area, with 3 additional plant sites and the Americas headquarters located in the region. KURARAY POVAL is used in a wide range of industries, including films.
“With the opening of our new KURARAY POVAL plant today, we are providing additional, needed supply to our customers around the world,” says George Avdey, president and CEO of Kuraray America, Inc. “Thanks to the hard work and dedication to safety of our Kuraray employees in opening this plant, we can offer product from around the world, further enhancing our global resources and supply.”
Production of PVOH has already started at the new plant. PVOH is a unique, functional resin that Kuraray Co., Ltd. first industrialized in the 1950s. KURARAY POVAL has a variety of characteristics such as superior adhesive strength, film formation, emulsifying properties and oil-resistant abilities. The polymer’s water solubility is its most distinct characteristic, along with its ecological advantage of being biodegradable.
