Chief Minister of Pahang Adnan Yaakob officiated at the groundbreaking of a 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHAcid) production plant at the BASF Petronas Chemicals integrated site in Kuantan, Malaysia on 4 June.

The plant, which is the latest investment by the BASF and Petronas Chemicals Group’s joint venture, is the first of its kind in the ASEAN region. It has an annual capacity of 30,000 metric tonnes. Plant commissioning is expected in the fourth quarter of 2016.

2-EHAcid is a chemical intermediate used as a compound in the production of lubricants and additives. It is also used for adhesives and sealants, corrosion inhibitors and anti-scaling agents, functional fluids like automotive coolants, metal salts for paint dryers, plasticisers, stabilisers, catalysts, paint additives and coating additives.

Located within one of two Verbund sites within Asia Pacific, the new 2-EHAcid plant is a synergistic opportunity for backward integration that allows for greater sustainable use of raw materials, energy and technology know-how.

BASF also operates a 2-EHAcid production plant at its Verbund site in Ludwigshafen, Germany.