The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains recently selected Philadelphia-based Braskem America, a polyolefins and biopolymer producer, to negotiate a $50 million award under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“Braskem is honored to be selected by the U.S. Department of Energy to negotiate this award as we look to help drive further momentum in U.S. battery manufacturing capabilities,” Mark Nikolich, Braskem America CEO, said. “This award would not only accelerate our ability to meet the growing demands of our North American clients but also solidify our commitment to powering the electrification revolution with domestically produced, world-class UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene). This funding would be a critical catalyst for the ongoing growth and success of our clients.”
The company would use funding to expand its UHMWPE production capabilities in Texas in the lithium-ion battery separator market. The project would create more than 250 jobs during the engineering, procurement, construction, and start-up phases.
Braskem America is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Braskem S.A. It has five production plants in three states, an Innovation and Technology Center in Pittsburgh, and operations in Massachusetts.
Braskem S.A. has 40 industrial units in four countries and exports products to clients in more than 70 countries.