Huntsman Corporation, a US manufacturer and chemical company opened a multi-purpose facility at the Amata Vietnam Industrial Park in the southern province of Dong Nai on Thursday.

It will house Huntsman’s polyurethanes and advanced materials businesses, its manufacturing and research and development facilities, a technical service centre, warehouse and distribution space, and a commercial office.

Huntsman’s CEO Asia Pacific and president of the polyurethanes business, Tony Hankins, said: “Viet Nam is one of the largest and fastest growing countries in Asia Pacific. For polyurethanes, we’ve been seeing double digit growth rates for a sustained period and fully expect this to continue.

“At the new site, we’ll manufacture formulated systems for footwear, insulation foam used in construction and cold chain applications, simulated wood for furniture, and automotive applications.

“These products will primarily be consumed in Viet Nam, with the balance being exported to Cambodia. The facility will enable Huntsman to collaborate more effectively with its customers based in Viet Nam.”

The company said this is its first manufacturing expansion investment outside China for its business in Asia Pacific.

“We see many opportunities in Viet Nam to support large-scale infrastructure and construction projects in one of the fastest growing economies in the region.

Scott Wright, president of its advanced materials business, said: “The new plant will give us the capability to efficiently supply customers across the ASEAN region with high quality electrical insulation, coatings and adhesive solutions that will ensure these ambitious projects are implemented successfully."

The company also has a distribution warehouse located in the inland container depot at Long Binh in Dong Nai Province and a site in Ha Noi which offers technical services and comprises warehouse and distribution space and a commercial office.

Huntsman had 2017 revenues of more than US$8 billion. It operates more than 75 manufacturing, research and development, and operations facilities in some 30 countries and employs around 10,000 people. — VNS