On December 10, 2010, Lucite International announced that it will re-start the production of Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) at its Beaumont, Texas facility in the first quarter of 2011. Lucite will produce MMA at a reduced rate throughout 2011 and in early 2012 will establish full capacity following completion of new plant construction.
Methacrylates polymerize easily to form resins and polymers with excellent performance characteristics including exceptional optical clarity, strength and durability - especially in aggressive all weather or corrosive environments. They can also be co-polymerized with other monomers to form a broader range of products typically used for paints, coatings and adhesives.
"We have seen a strong increase in global demand for MMA, which has led us to re-start production and invest to improve the efficiency of this key facility," said Neil Sayers, President of Lucite Americas.
Lucite expects total headcount at its Beaumont facility to increase to approximately one hundred people during 2011.