Bangkok - PTT Global Chemical (PTTGC) expects to complete plans by this year's third quarter for construction of a new metallocene linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) plant and a propylene oxide (PO) unit in Rayong, Thailand, according to the Bangkok Post.

The plans involve a $200-million plant at the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate to produce 300,000 t/y of LLDPE, increasing the company's capacity to 700,000 t/y by 2018.  PTTGC plans to fund this project with its own resources, said the report quoting PTTGC Chief Executive Supattanapong Punmeechaow.

In addition, another $1-billion facility is planned at the complex for the production of PO and polyols.  The company is talking with a strategic partner for this project and expects to announce details later this year.

Separately, PTTGC is reported to be seeking a third partner for its planned joint venture with Marubeni to build a world-scale ethane cracker at a recently selected site in Belmont County, Ohio.  PTTGC will hold a minimum 51% interest in this project.