Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc., and UPC Technology Corporation, a Chinese producer of specialty chemicals, have formed a joint venture—Momentive Union Specialty Chemicals. The JV will build manufacturing capability in China to produce specialty phenolic resins.

Momentive Union will build its first manufacturing plant in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China, adjacent to an existing UPC Technology Chemical manufacturing complex. The new plant will produce a full range of specialty novolac and resole phenolic resins, sold under trade names including Bakelite resins and Durite resins. These materials are used in applications including refractories, friction, abrasives and electronics.

“We believe Momentive’s global leadership in phenolic resins technology, coupled with the regional strength and infrastructure of UPC in Greater China, will create a formidable new player in the Greater China marketplace for these versatile materials,” said Ian Harris, the new general manager of Momentive Union.

The Zhenjiang project will expand the companies’ capability to meet growing demand from customers in China with local manufacturing and solutions tailored to their specific applications, Harris said. Construction is expected to commence in early 2012 after engineering design work and permitting is completed, with completion and commissioning anticipated during the first quarter of 2013.