P-xylene capacity at the Yeosu site will be increased by 1 million m.t./year through the cooperation of the three companies, to 2.35 million m.t./year. Completion of the expansion is expected by the end of 2014, and it will make the Yeosu facility the world's largest p-xylene production plant at a single site, the companies say.
P-xylene is a basic feedstock for polyester, which is used to make fibers and polyethylene terephthalate bottles. The cooperation among the three refiners is expected to enhance the competitiveness of the p-xylene business, from feed sourcing and production to marketing. Demand for p-xylene is forecast to rise further in Asia, especially in China and India, the companies say.