As part of its strategy to support the fast-growing air conditioning and refrigeration industry in Asia, DuPont Fluorochemicals has started up HFC production at its joint venture facility in China's Jiangsu province.

The venture, in which DuPont holds majority ownership, was announced last spring. The company said DuPont 3F Fluorochemicals Changshu Company Ltd. was "the first to legally manufacture R-404A, -407C, and -410A refrigerant blends in China." The products, for which the company maintains global patent rights, will be marketed in China and other Asian countries under the DuPont™ Suva® refrigerant brand.

"We are committed to supporting the strong growth in production of HFC-based air conditioning and refrigeration equipment in Asia, and we are in a unique position to succeed," stated Mark Baunchalk, global business manager, Refrigerants, DuPont Fluorochemicals. "Our expertise in fluorochemical science and manufacturing is well established, and we are backed by a strong global patent position on the HFC refrigerant blend products."

The dedication and opening of the new facility was attended by approximately 150 guests, including local government officials and customers from the region.

For more information, visit www.dupont.com/suva/.

Publication date: 12/06/2004