Core Viewpoint - Rohm has successfully launched a new sulfuric acid plant at its Worms production site in Germany, which is crucial for strengthening its global production network [1] Group 1: Company Developments - The Worms site is Rohm's largest production base globally, playing a vital strategic role in the company's operations [1] - Rohm is the only manufacturer with production bases for methyl methacrylate (MMA) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in Europe, Asia, and North America [1] - The new sulfuric acid plant enhances the regional supply capacity of MMA, which is essential for various industries including automotive, construction, and medical technology [1] Group 2: Strategic Investments - Rohm has been making significant strategic investments, including a substantial increase in PMMA production capacity and the establishment of a leading innovation center at the Worms site [1] - The new plant reflects Rohm's integrated production philosophy of "local production, local service," ensuring reliable delivery and stable planning support for customers [1] Group 3: Operational Impact - The COO of Rohm stated that the new sulfuric acid plant not only improves supply assurance but also strengthens the entire value chain in the long term [1]

Core Viewpoint - The company, Solvay Group, will indefinitely suspend production at its methyl methacrylate (MMA) plant in Rho, Italy, starting September 29 due to ongoing low profitability [1] Group 1: Production Suspension - The MMA plant has an annual capacity of 100,000 tons and will cease operations due to persistent low profitability [1] - High energy and raw material costs are significant challenges faced by European producers, with methanol contract prices remaining high in the first two quarters of this year [1] - Acetone contract prices are approximately €200 per ton higher than spot market prices [1] Group 2: Future Production Plans - The company hopes to resume production in the future but requires clearer outlook assessments [1] - The Rho plant will continue to produce PMMA, a major derivative of MMA, using existing MMA inventory as raw material, though the duration of this inventory's availability is uncertain [1] Group 3: Recycling Initiatives - In June 2024, the company launched an advanced PMMA recycling pilot facility at the Rho plant based on depolymerization technology [1] - This recycling project was initially announced in December 2023 and focuses on extracting high-purity MMA monomer from pre-consumer and post-consumer PMMA waste through a continuous process [1]