Ashland Aqualon to increase capacity for Klucel products
Expansion planned in two phases starting in October
Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients, a US producer of hydrocolloids, is to increase the production capacity of its Klucel hydroxypropylcellulose product line in Hopewell, Virginia.
The expansion is planned in two phases with the initial phase beginning in October, and a second, larger project that will start in August 2011.
Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients says Klucel hydroxyproplycellulose is an industry-leading binder and tablet coating ingredient for pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements.
The company primarily produces cellulose ethers and provides specialist additives and functional ingredients that manage the physical properties of aqueous and non-aqueous systems including rheology control, water retention, bonding strength, film formation, conditioning, deposition and stabilisation. Many of its products – used in paint and coatings, construction, food, personal care, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas field production and specialist industries – are derived from renewable and natural raw materials.
Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients is a division of Ashland Inc, which provides chemical products, services and solutions. Ashland has five commercial divisions: Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients, Ashland Hercules Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials, Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline) and Ashland Distribution.
