The Chinese nylon 6/6 market continues to generate strong momentum for Solutia Inc., which announced more than 30 percent sales growth in China in the first quarter.
``The growing trend will continue,'' said Steve Manning, manager of PA66 research and development, at Chinaplas, held May 21-24 in Guangzhou.
Solutia said its China sales increased 30 percent in 2006 and the head count of its staff in the country doubled to eight.
To meet increasing global demand, especially from China, Solutia recently added 88.2 million pounds of annual capacity for nylon 6/6 to its facility in Pensacola, Fla., which the firm claims is the world's largest integrated PA66 manufacturing plant.
The St. Louis-based company said the expansion started in 2006 and the finished two phases account for a capacity boost of 158 million pounds.
Solutia expects to continue the expansion through 2008. Manning said it will be needed to keep up with the growth in China. But no definite details are available now.
Michael Zhan, Asian-Pacific regional sales manager, said automotive presents its fastest-growing market, but the electronics and electric market retains the largest share in sales.
Solutia has sales and technical service offices in Shanghai and Guangzhou.