Thyssenkrupp, MOL Open Polyol Center

Industrial conglomerate Thyssenkrupp has completed construction of a new polyol development center in Százhalombatta, Hungary.

The center is built around an experimental reactor system and was developed in partnership with Hungarian oil and gas company MOL Group.

“We are excited for this new chapter in our joint journey and confident that this partnership will be an important success factor on our path to develop advanced and sustainable technology and products for a better future,” said Sami Pelkonen, CEO of Thyssenkrupp’s Chemical & Process Technologies business unit.


Advanced Reactor System

The research and development center was developed at a cost of US$10 million and will fund up to 12 engineers and seven technicians working on one of the most advanced polyol reactor systems in the world.

“The research and development center bears the name of György Mosonyi, the late CEO of MOL, who was deeply committed to innovation throughout his work, so this a worthy tribute to his memory … it has great experts who will ensure that the R&D activities can serve the development of market-ready products, to be later produced by the polyol plant in Tiszaújváros,” said Gabriel Szabó, EVP of MOL Group Downstream. MOL Group is not affiliated with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, or MOL, the Japanese carrier.
 
Headquartered in Germany, Thyssenkrupp is one of the world's largest steel producers and operates 670 subsidiaries worldwide across industrial sectors.


Downstream Advances

Polyols form the basis of extensive polymer chemistry and it is hoped that breakthroughs at the new center will support development of new processes in the downstream sector.

“By July 2022, at least 10 polyol grades will be developed in the newly built facility,” the partners said in a statement.

The new research and development center will be linked with the laboratories of several Hungarian universities and independent research institutions.
 

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