PHILADELPHIA - Arkema has announced that it will expand production at its Calvert City, Ky., plant to produce the refrigerant HFC-32 with production to begin in 2007. R-32 is one of the components of the refrigerant R-410A (which Arkema markets as Forane® 410A). Manufacturers have earmarked R-410A as the primary refrigerant to replace HCFC-22 in air conditioning applications.

As part of the project, Arkema will convert one of its Calvert City units to produce R-32. According to Arkema, its production of R-22 (which it markets as Forane 22) will be replaced by Forane 410A over the next few years.

Pierre Chanoine, group president of Arkema's Fluorochemicals Division, stated, "With this investment, Arkema will strengthen its position as a leader in the development of new HFC fluorochemicals, and assist its customers in their transition to the growing HFC blend technology."

The Calvert City R-32 production plant will benefit from the technological experience of the Zaramillo R-32 production plant launched in Spain in 2003, Chanoine said.

Arkema operates four industrial facilities: Pierre-Bénite in France, Zaramillo in Spain, Changshu in China, and Calvert City in Kentucky. The products manufactured are sold under the Forane trademark to the refrigeration and air-conditioning, insulating foam, solvent, and aerosol industries.

For more information, visit www.arkemagroup.com or www.arkema-inc.com.

Publication date: 02/27/2006