Degussa and Forhouse Starts up New PMMA Plant

On July 12th, 2007 RAG subsidiary Degussa GmbH started up a new
production facility for PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) molding
compounds in Taichung, Taiwan, together with its joint venture
partner Forhouse Corporation. Degussa holds a 51 percent share
and Forhouse a 49 percent share in the joint venture Degussa
Forhouse Optical Polymers Corporation, launched in January 2006.
The construction project for the new plant, which manufactures
high-quality PMMA for optical applications in flat-panel
displays was implemented quickly after a short planning phase.
    The plant will have an initial annual capacity of some 40
000 metric tons and is designed for "over the fence" production.
Apart from PMMA manufacture, the further processing of lighting
modules (backlight units) for flat-panel displays will also be
located at this site. The integrated supply chain ensures the
continuous supply of the ultra high purity optical-grade
material to customers. The kind of molding compound used to
manufacture optical light guides in TFT-LCD
(Thin-Film-Transistor Liquid-Crystal Display) flat-panel
displays has to meet the most stringent quality requirements to
enable perfect illumination of the displays.
    The joint venture unites the core competencies of both
partners. Degussa's comprehensive know-how along the entire
process chain of methacrylate chemistry enables Forhouse to
position itself favorably in the technology-driven markets for
optoelectronic devices, through the joint development of
innovative products.
   Degussa is a leading global manufacturer of PMMA molding
compounds. Forhouse is one of Taiwan's leading companies in its
field, with substantial expertise in manufacturing and
developing lighting modules for flat-panel displays, and
operates several production facilities in Taiwan and mainland
China.