Russian capacities of polyethylene processing up 10%

MOSCOW (MRC) -- In January-May the growth of capacities of polyethylene (PE) processing in Russia made 150 KTa, according to MRC DataScope: Equipment.

In 2011 the structure of PE processing investment is changing against 2010 - says Olga Sinelnikova, the analyst of MRC.

Almost the half of investments in 2011 made in polyethylene tubes production (+56 KTa). The biggest investments were made by Polyplastic Group and Techstroi.

According to MRC Annual report Polyethylene in Russia - 2011: the biggest capacities gain in 2010 was marked in the sector of films(+162 KTa). During the five months of 2011, capacities gain in films production made 43 KTa. Production of films with high barrier properties is developing in the sector. There was noticeable investment of Polymer company (Desnogorsk city) in 9-layer film line Reifenhauser in 2011.

According to Rosstat data, polymer pipe production in January-May 2011 has 43% grown comparing with the same period of the previous year, while consumtion of pipe HDPE up 38%, - according to MRC analysts.

Detailed analysis on investments in polymers processing by technologies, sectors, finished goods, countries-suppliers and types of equipment is presented in MRC report DataScope: Equipment.

MRC

(SOCAR) -- On July 1, SOCAR President Mr. Rovnag Abdullayev met with Mr. Lars Heikensten, Executive Director of the Nobel Foundation in Stockholm.

Saluting the delegation led by SOCAR President, Mr. Heikensten spoke about activities of the Nobels' Family in Azerbaijan that resulted in a number of innovations for oil industry. Talking about Nobels' activities in Azerbaijan, SOCAR president mentioned their advertence to scientific progress in oil sphere, contribution in engaging world's scientific potential of oil industry in Azerbaijan as well as creation fruitful conditions for scientific researches in petroleum industry.

Mr. Abdullayev underlined the distinctive role of Prize for Scientific Progress in Oil Industry established by Branobel Company under the Imperial Technical Society in gaining those achievements.MRC

(Indorama Ventures) -- Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, the world's leading vertically integrated Polyester Value Chain producer, has completed the takeover of polyester manufacturer Trevira by the consortium of Indorama Ventures PCL (Thailand) and Sinterama (Italy) is complete.

After receiving the green light from the relevant cartel authorities in Brussels and Turkey, the change in ownership finally took place on 01.07.2011. While the contract with auditor, Werner Schneider, to acquire the company had been signed by both investors in February 2011, it had still to await the approval of the cartel authorities.

All those involved expressed their satisfaction with the final stages of the takeover process.

"Trevira is a traditional enterprise with a qualified workforce and great potential for the future," declared Schneider. With a company sale there was always also the question of the people involved and of preserving expertise. The sale to the consortium of strategic investors with direct links to the textile industry provided the best opportunity for sustained development in the future, Schneider said.

MRC

(DSM) -- Royal DSM, the global Life Sciences and Materials Sciences company, announces today that it has completed the acquisition of Vitatene S.A.U., based in Leon (Spain), a producer of natural carotenoids. The acquisition was announced on 10 May 2011. The acquisition of Vitatene allows DSM to strengthen the natural carotenoids offerings of its nutrition business as consumer demand for natural products continues to grow. Financial details of the acquisition will not be disclosed at this time.

Founded in 2004, Vitatene is a leader in the production and sale of a range of high-value natural carotenoid products derived from fermentation of the fungus Blakeslea trispora. The products are sold under the brandnames Betanat and Lyconat. The products are an addition to DSM's current portfolio of highly functional carotenoids, ranging from beta-carotene to lutein and zeaxanthin.

MRC

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- ExxonMobil Pipeline Company provided the following update as cleanup operations continued Sunday evening following a release of oil into the Yellowstone River.

More than 120 people were involved in the response and cleanup effort including ExxonMobil's North America Regional Response Team, the Clean Harbors oil spill response organization, and additional contractors. An additional 80 people were expected on site Monday.

For the purposes of the response, the area downriver of the spill has been organized into four zones. Cleanup activities are focused in the first two zones, Laurel to Duck Creek Bridge, a distance of seven miles from the spill location, and Duck Creek Bridge to Johnson Lane (12 miles). Reconnaissance and evaluation activities are under way in the second two zones, Johnson Lane to Miles City (144 miles) and Miles City to Glendive (78 miles).

Cleanup crews are using absorbent pads to soak up oil, boom to isolate oil that has pooled adjacent to the river and vacuum trucks and tankers to pick up and dispose of the oil.
Air quality monitoring is ongoing and has confirmed no danger to public health. Municipal water systems are being notified to monitor water quality but no reports of impacts have been received to date.
Daily aerial flights over the river are being undertaken to locate additional oil locations and monitor and direct cleanup activity.

MRC