Unipetrol has officially broken ground on a new polyethylene unit, which will be the largest investment in the history of the Czech petrochemical industry in the amount of Czech 8.5 B (approximately $355 MM).

Once it is operational, the unit will be among the most advanced production facilities of its kind in Europe. Inauguration of the new polyethylene unit is planned in mid-2018.

 

The new polyethylene unit (PE3) will help to increase the use of the steam cracker and will contribute to greater coherence of petrochemical and refining production of Unipetrol Group. It will also enable the company to react to the growing global demand for high-density polyethylene. Unipetrol will be able to reach other industrial segments, such as cosmetics and packing industry. The new polyethylene unit PE3 will have a production capacity of up to 270 kt. 

“This investment is an important project in terms of the development of the Czech chemical industry. The new polyethylene unit will push Unipetrol into the group of European leaders in terms of plastic production quality and enable the company to reach more industrial sectors,” said Marek Świtajewski, chairman of the board of directors and CEO of Unipetrol. “It is also a clear confirmation of our commitment to the strategic development on the Czech market and of production modernization in the Ústí region, where we are among the largest employers.” 

 

Construction works on the new polyethylene unit should be completed in mid-2018. Up to 800 workers will be onsite during certain phases of the construction.

 

The new polyethylene unit will be built on the basis of the technology license by INEOS, which Unipetrol acquired at the end of 2013. The main contractor is Technip Co.