TICONA, the engineering polymers business of chemicals maker Celanese Corp, has started a manufacturing facility for long fiber reinforced thermoplastic (LFRT) in China to meet rising demand from the auto industry.

The facility is part of Dallas-based Celanese's complex in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province.

"It gives Ticona its first wholly owned manufacturing facility in Asia," said Wilfried Jobst, commercial director Asia for Ticona during an interview yesterday at the Chinaplas 2008 trade fair.

LFRT products are used in the auto industry and for other applications that require large, strong, lightweight components.