Aekyung Chemical to expand surfactant plant in Vietnam

Aekyung Chemical plans to expand its surfactant plant in Vietnam, with the aim of targeting global markets in Southeast Asia, the company said on Friday.

The expansion of the plant, operated by the company's subsidiary AK VINA, will include the addition of high-value-added production lines for eco-friendly, low-stimulus, and natural surfactants.

The plant is expected to begin mass production in 2024, and the company aims to increase its overseas market share by increasing its production from 16,000 tons to 39,000 tons. The company cited growing demand from multinational companies operating in Vietnam for locally sourced surfactants.

"As the only synthetic surfactant production plant in Vietnam, we aim to establish a strong presence and respond to customer demands by offering high-value-added products," said Kim Joon-hyung, head of Aekyung Chemical's Living Chemical Business Division.

Write to Seo-woo Jang at suwu@hankyung.com