Röhm achieves full capacity at Bay City MMA plant using LiMA technology, strengthening supply, efficiency, and North American market presence.
The European Investment Bank and Eni have formalized a major financing agreement worth €500 million to support the transformation of a traditional refinery into a modern biorefinery in Sannazzaro de’ Burgondi, located in Italy’s Pavia province. The 15-year loan agreement was signed by EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti and Eni Chief Executive Officer Claudio Descalzi, highlighting a shared commitment to advancing cleaner energy solutions and accelerating Europe’s tRöhm has successfully completed the ramp-up phase of its methyl methacrylate (MMA) production facility located in Bay City, marking a significant milestone in the plant’s operational journey. The facility, which is built on the company’s innovative LiMA (Leading in Methacrylates) technology, is now fully operational with all four reactors running at planned production capacity.
This achievement comes just one year after the plant’s initial start-up, highlighting the efficiency and reliability of Röhm’s proprietary C2-based production process. The consistent and stable operation at full capacity demonstrates the effectiveness of the technology, which is designed to deliver high performance while maintaining cost efficiency and sustainability advantages compared to conventional methods.
Notably, Röhm currently stands as the only manufacturer in the United States utilizing this advanced C2 process for MMA production. This gives the company a unique competitive edge in the market. The Bay City facility is equipped with cutting-edge process engineering and a high level of automation, ensuring precise control over operations. This integration of modern design and digital automation enables the plant to maintain high safety standards, operational stability, and consistent product quality.
Since its commissioning, the facility has undergone a carefully managed ramp-up process. This included extensive validation phases and ongoing optimization of operational parameters to ensure efficiency and reliability. Through these efforts, the plant has consistently produced MMA of superior and dependable quality, meeting both internal benchmarks and customer expectations.
Reaching full production capacity is a crucial step in strengthening Röhm’s footprint in the North American market. It also aligns with the company’s strategic vision, known as “In the Region, for the Region.” This approach focuses on establishing localized production capabilities in major global economic regions, including the United States, China, and Europe. By doing so, Röhm aims to enhance supply chain resilience, reduce dependency on imports, and ensure a stable supply of products to regional customers.
With the Bay City plant now fully operational, Röhm is well-positioned to meet domestic demand more effectively while also maintaining the flexibility to serve international markets when required. This dual capability supports both local customers and global distribution needs, reinforcing the company’s role as a reliable supplier in the MMA industry.
Looking ahead, the facility is scheduled for a planned temporary shutdown in the second quarter as part of a broader site turnaround led by Oxea, the site operator. During this period, the LiMA plant will undergo routine maintenance activities. This proactive measure is aimed at ensuring the long-term safety, reliability, and efficiency of the operations, helping to sustain high performance levels over time.
