Röhm achieved a significant milestone with the successful full-scale operation of its methyl methacrylate (MMA) plant in Bay City, Texas, marking the world’s first industrial-scale deployment of the company’s proprietary LiMA technology.
Following its start-up phase, the facility completed a structured ramp-up program and has consistently operated at full production capacity in recent months. To commemorate the achievement, Röhm welcomed customers, business partners, and government officials to the Bay City site, providing an in-depth look at the plant’s operations and the innovative technology powering the facility.
LiMA Technology Sets New Benchmark for MMA Manufacturing
LiMA, which stands for Leading in MethAcrylates, represents Röhm’s next-generation MMA production technology designed to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and production performance. Methyl methacrylate is a key raw material used in the manufacture of products serving diverse industries. Notably, the Bay City facility is the first C2-based MMA production plant in North America, strengthening regional supply chains and enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities for critical industrial materials.
Strategic Investment Supports Global Growth
Hans Bohnen, CEO of Röhm, emphasized that the Bay City project reflects the company’s long-term strategy of driving growth through technological innovation and strategic investments. “As the only global producer of both methyl methacrylate and polymethyl methacrylate with production sites in the major regions of Europe, Asia, and North America, we are uniquely positioned to serve our customers worldwide—reliably, locally, and with leading technology,” said Bohnen. The facility further strengthens Röhm’s global manufacturing network while improving supply reliability for customers across North America and international markets.
Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience in North America
The Bay City plant has been strategically designed to improve supply security by utilizing readily available feedstocks, including ethylene and natural gas, while positioning production closer to key customer markets. According to Jack Chenault, President of Röhm Americas, the investment demonstrates the company’s commitment to supporting customers throughout the region. “This reflects our long-term commitment to customers across the region, and Bay City’s strategic location allows us to efficiently serve both North American and global markets,” Chenault said.
Technology Developed in Germany, Scaled in the United States
Röhm developed the LiMA technology over several years at its research and development facilities in Germany before successfully transferring the process to commercial-scale operations in the United States. The project received significant backing from Advent International, which has invested approximately US$1.6 billion (€1.5 billion) in partnership with Röhm to support innovation, expansion, and long-term growth initiatives. Ronald Ayles of Advent International described LiMA as a transformative breakthrough for the methacrylate industry. “LiMA technology does not only mark a technological quantum leap—it is a true game changer for the methacrylate industry,” he said.
Advancing the Future of Methacrylate Production
The successful commercialization of LiMA technology at Bay City represents a major advancement for the global methacrylate industry. By combining large-scale production capacity with enhanced efficiency and sustainability benefits, Röhm is setting a new benchmark for MMA manufacturing. As per the press release, as demand for high-performance materials continues to grow across automotive, construction, electronics, and healthcare sectors, the Bay City facility positions Röhm to deliver reliable supply, technological leadership, and sustainable production solutions to customers worldwide.
