TCL Specialties USA (TCL USA), a subsidiary of India's Thirumalai Chemicals Ltd (TCL India), is nearing completion of the construction of its new petrochemical and food ingredients plants in New Martinsville, West Virginia. The project, a substantial US$200 million investment, is poised to bolster domestic supply chains and create new opportunities in various sectors.

Phase I of the project, located within an existing industrial complex, is nearing completion. The facility comprises two key units: a petrochemical plant with a capacity exceeding 40,000 tons per year of maleic anhydride derived from locally sourced butane, and a food ingredients/fine chemicals plant initially producing 30,000 tons per year.

TCL India has leveraged its cutting-edge, patented technology for this project, providing both the design and engineering expertise. A significant portion of the plant construction utilizes modular units built by TCL Technology & Engineering (TCL-TE), a division of TCL India specializing in prefabricated, ready-to-start modular process plants and skids. This modular approach has streamlined the construction process and ensured high-quality control.

A key feature of the integrated facility is its focus on energy efficiency. The plants are designed to derive 90% of their power and steam needs from waste heat, significantly reducing emissions and promoting sustainable operations.

While the project faced initial delays due to the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the Middle East crisis, progress has accelerated significantly. As of January 2025, over 99% of the plant module assembly at TCL-TE is complete. Shipments of these modules to the New Martinsville site began in June 2024 and are expected to be finalized by late February or early March 2025. On-site construction and installation have been underway since early 2024, with final testing and pre-commissioning slated to commence in the third quarter of 2025.

The New Martinsville location offers a significant advantage with its fully equipped "plug and play" infrastructure. The site provides essential utilities and services, including roads, fire protection, power, water, wastewater treatment, security, medical and emergency services, an on-site rail siding, and access to an ocean-connected barge port. These pre-existing amenities have significantly reduced both investment and operating costs for TCL USA.

Furthermore, the plants are equipped with state-of-the-art automation systems, ensuring high levels of safety, product quality, and cost efficiency. This automation will contribute to consistent production and minimize operational risks.

The output from these plants will serve a diverse range of growing markets. The food ingredients produced will be used in snacks, foods, beverages, and health drinks, meeting the increasing demand for safe and high-quality food additives. The maleic anhydride will cater to industries requiring lightweight composites for mobility, energy, infrastructure, and transport applications. It will also be used in the production of biodegradable packaging, paper, water treatment chemicals, and various specialty and high-value products.