RIL launches polyester projects in Gujarat

Reliance Industries (RIL) said today it had commenced implementation of world-scale polyester projects in Gujarat, to consolidate its position as the world’s largest integrated polyester producer.

It plans to set up a 2.3-million tonne purified terephthalic acid (PTA) plant at Dahej, with an option to increase its capacity by another 1.15 million tonnes at a later stage, according to a company statement.

The plans include 395,000 tonnes of polyester filament yard and 140,000 tonnes of polyester textured yarn at Silvassa. It also plans to add 540,000 tonnes of polyethylene terephthalate capacity at Dahej, with an option to add an equal size plant at the same location at a later stage.

RIL did not divulge investments involved in the projects nor the deadline for completion. “All the projects are under various stages of implementation, ranging from technology licensing, basic engineering and obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals. This capacity addition will further strengthen RIL’s leadership position in the polyester sector,” the company said.

RIL may start the PTA plant at Dahej in the first quarter of 2013 and the second one six to 12 months later. The PTA volumes would feed the company’s downstream polyester investments at Silvassa.

“This is RIL’s largest capacity expansion in the sector and is aimed at consolidating its position as the world’s largest integrated polyester producer. These investments in new polyester capacity will also strengthen India’s position as a global manufacturing hub for textiles and fibre,” the statement added.