en.Wedoany.com Reported - Röhm's proprietary LiMA methyl methacrylate (MMA) production technology has achieved its first full-scale industrial operation globally at its plant in Bay City, Texas, USA. Since startup, the plant has undergone a systematic capacity ramp-up, reaching and maintaining full production in recent months. To mark this milestone, Röhm hosted customers, partners, and elected officials at the Bay City plant, offering behind-the-scenes tours to showcase operational realities and the LiMA technology.
LiMA stands for "Leading in MethAcrylates." MMA is a key raw material for products used in automotive, manufacturing, construction, electronics, and medical applications. The plant is also the first MMA production facility in North America based on C2 feedstock, helping to strengthen regional supply chains and domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Röhm CEO Hans Bohnen stated that the Bay City plant highlights the company's broader strategy of leading through technology and long-term investment. Bohnen noted that as the only global producer of methyl methacrylate and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) with production sites in Europe, Asia, and North America, the company can reliably and locally serve global customers with leading technology. The Bay City plant relies on readily available feedstocks such as ethylene and natural gas, bringing production closer to end markets and enhancing supply security for North American customers.
Jack Chenault, President of Röhm Americas, said the plant reflects a long-term commitment to customers, with its strategic location efficiently serving North American and global markets. The plant employs approximately 90 people, with operations prioritizing safety, and Chenault emphasized that safety is the top priority.
During the event, visitors examined core production areas, including the central reactor system (described as the "heart of the technology") and the MMA distillation unit, learning how LiMA technology is applied in large-scale production. The technology was developed by Röhm over many years in Germany and successfully industrialized in the United States with support from investor Advent International. Through this partnership, Advent has invested approximately $1.6 billion (about €1.5 billion) to support the company's innovation and long-term development.
Ronald Ayles of Advent International stated that LiMA technology is not only a major technological leap but also a true game-changer for the methacrylate industry, and the Bay City plant proves that the process can operate at an industrial scale while delivering high efficiency and environmental benefits.
The Bay City plant has an annual capacity of 250,000 tons of MMA, designed to maximize yield and minimize raw material consumption. Compared to traditional MMA production processes, LiMA technology reduces energy and water consumption and cuts CO2 emissions by up to 42%. The plant's surrounding constructed wetlands support a nearly closed water cycle and provide environmentally friendly treatment of process and cooling water. The plant also integrates advanced digital technologies, including a digital twin system updated daily to support operational planning, equipment and predictive maintenance, and dynamic simulation, enhancing long-term performance and reliability.
In North America, Röhm ensures proximity to customers through a customized supply chain network, including multiple storage tanks and transfer stations. MMA sold under the MERACRYL® brand is distributed via a multimodal transport logistics network encompassing truck, rail, and inland waterway shipping, reducing long-haul trucking and improving rail supply security, ensuring reliable and flexible delivery to customers in North America and internationally.
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