Röhm’s Bay City plant achieves full-scale LiMA operations, boosting North American MMA production, supply security, innovation, and manufacturing resilience.
Röhm has reached a significant milestone in its global growth strategy with the successful full-scale operation of its methyl methacrylate (MMA) production facility in Bay City, Texas. The plant is the first in the world to operate the company’s proprietary LiMA technology at a fully industrial scale, marking a major advancement in MMA manufacturing and reinforcing Röhm’s position as a leader in methacrylate production.
After its initial start-up, the Bay City facility underwent a carefully managed ramp-up process designed to optimize production performance, ensure operational reliability, and validate the effectiveness of the LiMA process under commercial operating conditions. Over recent months, the plant successfully achieved and maintained full-capacity production, demonstrating the scalability and efficiency of the innovative technology. To celebrate this achievement, Röhm welcomed customers, business partners, community stakeholders, and elected officials to the site for a special event that provided an in-depth look at the facility and its cutting-edge operations.
LiMA, which stands for “Leading in MethAcrylates,” represents Röhm’s next-generation approach to MMA production. Methyl methacrylate is a key chemical building block used in a wide range of industries, including automotive manufacturing, construction, electronics, healthcare, and industrial production. The successful deployment of LiMA technology at Bay City highlights Röhm’s commitment to innovation and its focus on developing more efficient and competitive manufacturing processes to meet growing global demand.
The Bay City facility also holds strategic importance as the first C2-based MMA production plant in North America. By utilizing readily available feedstocks and advanced production methods, the plant contributes to strengthening regional supply chains while enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities. This localized production approach helps reduce dependence on imports and supports greater resilience within North America’s industrial ecosystem.
During the official opening ceremony, Röhm Chief Executive Officer Hans Bohnen emphasized the significance of the project within the company’s long-term vision. He noted that the Bay City investment reflects Röhm’s commitment to technological leadership and sustainable growth. Bohnen highlighted that Röhm remains the only global producer of both methyl methacrylate and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) with manufacturing operations across Europe, Asia, and North America. This extensive international footprint allows the company to provide reliable local supply while maintaining global reach and technological excellence.
The Bay City plant is expected to play a vital role in improving supply security for customers throughout North America. The facility benefits from access to abundant regional raw materials, including ethylene and natural gas, enabling stable and efficient production. Its strategic location also allows Röhm to serve both domestic and international markets more effectively, ensuring shorter supply chains and improved responsiveness to customer needs.
According to Jack Chenault, President of Röhm Americas, the investment demonstrates the company’s long-term dedication to supporting customers across the region. He noted that Bay City’s location offers logistical advantages that enhance service capabilities for North American and global customers alike. The facility currently provides employment for approximately 90 people and operates under rigorous safety standards. Chenault stressed that maintaining a strong safety culture remains the company’s highest priority as it continues to expand operations and deliver value to customers worldwide.
The successful full-scale operation of the Bay City MMA plant represents a landmark achievement for Röhm, showcasing the commercial viability of LiMA technology while strengthening the company’s ability to meet growing market demand with reliable, locally produced materials.
