June 24, 2025 12:12

U.S.-based polyamide producer Ascend Performance Materials has announced its decision to initiate a wind-down of operations at its hexamethylene diamine (HMD) production facility in Lianyungang, China.
The decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of the facility's long-term viability amid evolving market dynamics and regulatory landscapes.

HMD is a key intermediate for the synthesis of polyamide 66. The plant is relatively new, with the project having been announced just three years ago.

"In April, with the support of our lenders, we initiated a financial restructuring process to reduce our debt and position Ascend for the future," said Phil McDivitt, president and CEO of Ascend Performance Materials. "As we evaluated the market conditions and ongoing trade disputes, we determined that the Lianyungang production facility is no longer the best way to support our customers in the region. Accordingly, we have made the decision to wind down the facility."

Ascend’s other operations in China, including its compounding site in Suzhou, will continue to run as usual.

At the end of April, Ascend was granted access to voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings, a process that allows financially distressed companies to restructure operations and reduce debt without disruption or creditor action. The company expects to emerge from Chapter 11 by the end of the year.

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