Lenzing to build world's largest lyocell plant in Thailand

The project is of great importance to Lenzing as it is the first step in bringing lyocell production to Asia, featuring the largest markets, the most important customers and the most extensive growth potential in specialty fibre production, said Lenzing in a press release.

The project to build a plant in Prachinburi, Thailand, was approved in June 2019. Industrial Park 304 in Prachinburi, located about 150 kilometers east of the Thai capital Bangkok, was selected due to its excellent overall infrastructure and the sustainable biogenic energy supply, which will help Lenzing to meet its ambitious CO2 targets. Above all, the excellent cooperation with the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), the country's free trade agreements with China and easy access to ASEAN's growing middle class market were all decisive factors in selecting the site.

The availability of local staff (for the planned workforce of close to 300 employees) with the required educational background to drive growth was also an important factor. The well-established operator of the industrial park, with whom Lenzing has already signed contracts for utility services, was also a reason for choosing Prachinburi.

Lenzing has selected Wood, a professional engineering partner for crucial tasks such as detailed engineering, purchasing and construction management and supervision, including quality, safety, cost and progress control. These services will be provided as part of an Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) contract. Both companies signed an EPCM contract on August 15, 2019. Wood was selected on the basis of having the skills needed for a project of this size and an experienced team with a strong reputation for delivering in line with project stipulations. An important element for Lenzing is the start-up date of this project which was also confirmed by Wood. Following the plant completion in the third quarter of 2021, Lenzing expects to produce the first fibres at this site in the fourth quarter of the same year.

"Growing organically on a global scale requires a strong partner in designing and building up the production assets. I am convinced that we have found the right partner in Wood. During the kick-off meetings we could feel the energy of the integrated team and their eagerness to drive that project to a successful completion and start-up in the second half of 2021," said Heiko Arnold, CTO of the Lenzing Group.

"We are delighted to have been chosen by Lenzing to help deliver what will be the world's largest lyocell plant. Being selected to lead a project of this scale and complexity is testament to the outstanding technical capability we have in our Asia Pacific business, and our strong understanding of the local market environment in Thailand where we have been operating for over 50 years," said Mike Collins, president of Capital Projects in Wood's Asset Solutions business across Europe, Africa, Asia & Australia.

The Lenzing Group stands for ecologically responsible production of specialty fibres made from the renewable raw material wood. As an innovation leader, Lenzing is a partner of global textile and nonwoven manufacturers and drives many new technological developments.

The Lenzing Group's high-quality fibres form the basis for a variety of textile applications ranging from elegant ladies clothing to versatile denims and high-performance sports clothing. Due to their consistent high quality, their biodegradability and compostability of Lenzing fibres are also highly suitable for hygiene products and agricultural applications. (PC)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India