Chemicals

Momentive Performance Materials Inc., a speciality materials company headquartered in Connecticut, USA, has finalised its plans to set up a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and a world-class technology centre in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, a company release said. The investment in this greenfield project will be $20 million. Momentive (formerly GE Bayer Silicones) provides high-technology materials solutions to the silicones, quartz and ceramics markets.
The plant, which will be located in SIPCOT Oragadum Industrial Growth Centre in Sriperumbudur near Chennai, will triple the company's silicone production capacity in the region.
V.P. Nalian, Managing Director, Momentive India, said, "We are excited about expanding and continuing to invest in India... Momentive has six global technology and application development centres in the world, including one in Bangalore.
"The new manufacturing facility is slated to be operational in 2008," said Joerg Krueger, General Manager - Global Operations. The plant design and engineering integrate the most efficient process and product technology capabilities that exist among the various Momentive plants around the world. Momentive currently has 25 manufacturing facilities spanning the globe.
Meanwhile, Momentive and Chenai-based Anabond, manufacturer of engineering adhesives and sealants, will jointly invest to develop, manufacture and market SPUR sealants for the subcontinent. The product will be manufactured at Anabond's plants. Momentive will market the product in the construction segment and Anabond will market it in the automotive and electrical and electronics segment under license from Momentive.
"(Anabond's) expertise in the adhesive and sealants area, namely in the automotive industry, combined with their manufacturing capabilities will help us develop high-end SPUR sealant applications and bring this product to Indian customers in a cost-effective manner," Nalian stated.
A spokesperson for Momentive said no new investment had been planned in the joint venture for SPUR sealants."We will make use of the exisiting facilities," he noted. SPUR sealants will be launched by the fourth quarter.

Contact: Momentive Performance Materials (India) Pvt. Ltd, No.275, 4th Cross, 4th Main, 4th Phase, Peenya Industrial Area, Bangalore, Karnataka 560058. Tel: 080-28398567; Fax: 080-28399312