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Published on April 2, 2008

The plants have a combined capacity of 355,000 tonnes of polyethylene terephthalate per annum.

"IRP's continued growth on a global scale has today made it the second-largest PET producer in Europe and we believe we will emerge as the second-largest PET producer in the world next year when the Alabama plant in the US is completed," said Aloke Lohia, executive chairman.

The company's board of directors previously approved an expansion of PET polymer capacity in Thailand from the current level of 126,000 to 180,000 tonnes. These expansions are intended to meet demand, which grows at 8-9 per cent per annum globally.

"We have a clear focus on remaining the most cost competitive producer with scale and diversity and we welcome our new colleagues at Rotterdam and Workington into the Indorama family."

IRP has the largest market share of PET polymers in Thailand and is the third-largest manufacturer in the world through subsidiaries in Thailand, Europe and the United States. Following its 2005 listing on

the Stock Exchange of Thailand, the company is expanding its annual production capacity to effectively participate in the growing global demand for PET polymers.

In addition to consolidating its position as a leader in the production of PET polymers, IRP is expanding its downstream operations, including the production of PET preforms, PET bottles and HDPE (high-density polyethylene) closures.

The Nation