Bilfinger Secures Contract for Mitsubishi Chemical U.K. Polymer Expansion
- 14-May-2025 4:30 PM
- Journalist: William Faulkner
Bilfinger SE鈥檚 U.K. operations have been awarded a major contract by Mitsubishi Chemical U.K. Ltd. for the expansion of its polymer production facility at Saltend Chemical Park in East Yorkshire. The project represents a significant opportunity for regional economic growth and job creation, while reinforcing Bilfinger鈥檚 expertise in intelligent construction and sustainable execution.
The expansion includes the construction of a new production line adjacent to Mitsubishi鈥檚 existing plant, which manufactures Soarnol, a high-performance ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) polymer. Soarnol is used in diverse industrial applications, such as automotive components, packaging materials and consumer goods.
Under the contract, Bilfinger will provide comprehensive services, including the installation of thousands of tonnes of structural steel, the fabrication of several kilometers of piping, new electrical, instrumentation and control (EI&C) infrastructure, and the integration of complex equipment with heavy lifting requirements. The project follows a collaborative planning phase involving both Bilfinger and Mitsubishi Chemical to ensure risk mitigation and project success.
The work will be executed by Bilfinger UK鈥檚 Automation and Projects business unit, part of Bilfinger Engineering & Maintenance UK. Activities are scheduled to commence immediately.
Bilfinger has maintained a longstanding relationship with Mitsubishi Chemical at Saltend Chemical Park, having delivered maintenance and turnaround services for over two decades. This familiarity with the site and its operations enhances Bilfinger鈥檚 ability to deliver efficiently and safely. The company continues to implement best practices at the site through its Bilfinger Maintenance Solutions (BMS) and Bilfinger Turnaround Solutions (BTS), which aim to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and minimize downtime.
鈥淪ecuring this significant award and being part of this project is a testament to our team鈥檚 expertise and commitment to delivering excellence,鈥 said Darren Clement, vice president of engineering, automation and projects at Bilfinger Engineering & Maintenance UK. 鈥淥ur long-standing experience at the Mitsubishi site and our reputation for quality have positioned us well for this opportunity. We鈥檙e proud to continue supporting Mitsubishi Chemical and contributing to the success of Saltend Chemical Park.鈥
The project will create approximately 250 on-site jobs during its execution, with careful planning in place to minimize disruption to existing operations. Aligned with Bilfinger鈥檚 sustainability goals, the expansion will emphasize efficient, intelligent construction techniques that deliver long-term value.
Upon completion, Bilfinger aims to continue its support of Mitsubishi Chemical through ongoing maintenance and future enhancements, further cementing its role as a trusted partner in the chemical industry.