Ethyleneamines are used by Huntsman customers in a variety of end-use applications, including lube oils, fungicides, paper resins, epoxies and chelants. The largest application area for ethyleneamines is in ashless dispersants for engine oils and in other lubricants, and in some dispersant-detergents for fuels.

Originally announced in June 2005, the plant will produce ethylenediamine (EDA), diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylenetetramine (TETA) and higher molecular weight versions such as TEPA, E-100, AEP and piperazine.

Huntsman, based in The Woodlands, Texas, will license its proprietary ethyleneamines process technology to the joint venture for use in the plant, and will also serve as the exclusive sales and marketing agents for the ventures output, much of which will be sold in Asia.

When this new facility is completed, Huntsman ethyleaneamine customers will have access to a manufacturing footprint with a global reach and Huntsmans latest technology, said Don Stanutz, president of Huntsmans performance products division.

The project supports the Kingdoms intention to move further downstream in derivative chemistry, said Fahad Al-Zamil, president of the Jubail operations of the Al-Zamil Group. With its strategic locating in Saudi Arabia, this new plant will be very well positioned to compete in the growing Asian market for ethyleneamines. Al-Zamil Group is based in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.

Two South Korean firms – Hyundai Engineering Co. Ltd., and Hanwha Engineering and Construction Corp. – served as the engineering, procurement and construction contractors for the Jubail project.

Al-Zamil Group and Huntsman are also partners in a maleic anhydride-butanediol manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia.