August 16, 2006 – Basell announced today that is has completed the expansion of its Geelong, Australia polypropylene plant, increasing capacity from 60 KT to 130 KT per year.
“This project represents a significant commitment to the Australian polymer industry,” said Barry Kelly, managing director of Basell Australia. “It will help us continue to be a quality supplier of innovative products to our valued customers not only locally, but regionally and globally as well.”
He added: “This project represents one of the largest investments made in many years in the Australian polymer industry.”
Basell and its predecessor companies have been manufacturing polypropylene in Australia for more than three decades. Currently, Basell employs 170 people in total in its Australian operations, which also includes a plant in Sydney. Polypropylene is a versatile plastic and is used in making many household, consumer and industrial goods. Examples include banknotes, food and drink containers, home appliances, garden furniture, stadium seating, and vehicle components such as car bumpers and instrument panels.


Basell is the world's largest producer of polypropylene and advanced polyolefin products, a leading supplier of polyethylene and catalysts, and a global leader in the development and licensing of polypropylene and polyethylene processes. Basell, together with its joint ventures, has manufacturing facilities around the world and sells products in more than 120 countries. Additional information about Basell is available at www.basell.com
 

For more information contact Michelle Harrell, Basell Corporate Communications, at
+1 410 996 1366, +1 302 438 6574 or michelle.harrell@basell.com