JUBAIL: The Saudi International Petrochemical Co. (Sipchem) on Saturday announced the export of its first vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) shipment to European markets. The International Vinyl Acetate Company (IVC), a Sipchem affiliate, produced the shipment, which passed through the King Fahd Industrial Port in Jubail. Sipchem announced the start-up of the VAM plant on Dec. 19. The vinyl acetate production began last month with an annual production capacity of 330,000 metric tons.
The feedstock for the VAM plant is provided by another Sipchem affiliate, International Acetyl Co. (IAC). “This is one major reason for an uninterrupted supply of feedstock,” the company said in a statement.
IVC President Abdullah Al-Saadoon expressed thanks to all company employees for their continued efforts and dedication during the execution phase of the prestigious Acetyl Complex project.
“The Acetyl Complex operation is considered a positive step toward the diversification of the company product portfolio and enhancement of its profitability,” he said. “It will also open the doors for many downstream industries in the Kingdom which in turn will have its positive impact on the expansion and the diversification of end-product industries.”
