Mitsubishi Rayon Co. said Friday it has agreed with Lucite International of Britain to build new factories to produce methyl methacrylate monomers, in the United States and Singapore for mutual supply to meet growing demand.
MMMs are resins used in automobiles and information technology components.
Under the agreement, Mitsubishi Rayon will build a factory in Texas by the end of 2009 to make 140,000 tons a year of methyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid, known respectively as MMA and MAA in industry circles.
The accord also calls for the Southampton-based Lucite International to build a plant in Singapore by the end of 2007 to manufacture 120,000 tons of MMA.
The two companies will also be asked to consider turning the two envisioned factories into a joint venture.
MMA monomers and polymers -- made from monomers -- are used to make such industrial-use goods as mobile phone display screens, automobile tail lamp lenses and translucent resin showcases.