Ashland plans to increase Natrosol™ HEC production capacity at its Hopewell facility.
Ashland has announced plans to increase Natrosol™ hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) production capacity at its Hopewell, Virginia (USA) plant. Natrosol ™ HEC is a natural product and excellent thickening agent that is used as a non-ionic rheology modifier in industrial and consumer-oriented applications. Natrosol™ rheological modifiers have been used as cellulosic thickeners for water-based architectural coatings for over fifty years.
The investment in the Hopewell site will delay the expansion of the company's site in Nanjing, China, which was previously announced. This change in timing is due to the immediate industry need for HEC.
“Ashland is changing the sequencing and timing of Natrosol™ HEC investments based on immediate customer and industry demand and current market trends,” said Min Chong, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Specialty Additives, Ashland. Consumers are increasingly leaning towards more sustainable solutions including water-based paints and a global increase in the building and construction sectors and the desire for milder, more natural and sustainable solutions in consumer markets.
“Redeploying funds to our Hopewell site now build upon previous capital investments, allowing us to address market demand sooner. The decision underscores our growth strategy while ensuring we can meet our customers’ growing needs and provide additional supply security across the globe”, stated Min Chong.