Röhm: LiMA Technology in Bay City at Full Scale Operation

Röhm has officially opened its new plant for the production of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in Bay City, Texas. Following commissioning and a structured ramp-up phase, the plant is now producing steadily at full capacity, according to the company. Röhm’s proprietary “LiMA” technology is being used there on an industrial scale for the first time.

“LiMA” stands for “Leading in MethAcrylates.” The technology was developed in Germany over several years and transferred to industrial scale in the United States. According to Röhm, the Bay City plant is the first C2-based MMA production facility in North America. Its raw material base includes ethylene and natural gas. The plant is intended to strengthen regional supply chains and increase supply security for customers in North America.

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MMA is a key feedstock for applications in the automotive industry, construction, manufacturing, electronics and medical technology. Röhm markets the MMA produced in Bay City under the “Meracryl” brand. The plant has an annual capacity of 250,000 tonnes.

According to the company, production is designed for high yield with reduced raw material consumption. Compared with conventional processes, energy and water consumption are expected to decrease, while CO₂ emissions are to be reduced by up to 42 percent. In addition, the site uses constructed wetlands for a largely closed-loop water cycle in which process and cooling water are treated.

Digital technologies are also integrated into operations. A digital twin maps the structure, production processes and control system of the plant. The system is updated daily and supports operational planning, plant management and predictive maintenance. It also enables simulation-based analyses to optimize performance and reliability.

During the official opening, customers, partners and political representatives were given insights into key production areas, including the reactor system and MMA distillation. The event was held under the motto “Redefining Chemistry.”

Röhm also points to a newly established supply chain network in North America. Several tank and transshipment terminals as well as a multimodal logistics system consisting of truck, rail and inland waterway transport are intended to secure distribution in the region and to international customers. Increased use of rail and inland waterways is expected to reduce long-distance truck transport.

The investment in Bay City was implemented with the support of investor Advent International. According to the company, Advent invested around USD 1.6 billion, equivalent to about EUR 1.5 billion, in the project. Around 90 employees work at the site.

More information: www.roehm.com

Röhm GmbH, Darmstadt

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