AUSTIN, TX, Aug. 31, 2005 -- Emerson Process Management has announced the initiation of an asset optimization improvement program at the Huntsman Holland plant at Rozenburg near Rotterdam. Based on a consultative audit performed by Emerson, Huntsman is implementing a combination of planned and predictive maintenance using Emerson's AMS™ Suite: Intelligent Device Manager software, communicating with a PlantWeb® digital network of intelligent field devices. Huntsman expects to use the predictive technology of PlantWeb to schedule maintenance requirements and reduce plant failures.
Huntsman operates in an expanding market and its management team is always looking for ways to increase production capacity and improve efficiency. Huntsman is already using Emerson process and control products, and Emerson was asked to conduct the asset optimization benchmark assessment and site evaluation. The objective was to review the condition monitoring programs at the site and develop an improvement program. Following the three-day assessment, the improvement plan was presented to senior management at Huntsman and approved for implementation.
"We see Emerson as much more than a product supplier," said Laurence Thring, European integrity engineer at Huntsman. "By using Emerson, we know we are getting expert advice that will provide an independent input to our future plans. Emerson's knowledgeable consultants have worked with organizations similar to our own, and this enables us to see how we are rated against other companies."
Craig Llewellyn, president of Emerson's Asset Optimization Division concluded, "As the team at Huntsman works through our recommendations, we expect to see significant increases in productivity together with reduction in maintenance expenses and spares inventory."
Built in 1961, the Huntsman Holland Rozenburg site is situated in the Europoort area near Rotterdam. Sixty percent of the Dutch petrochemicals industry is based in this area which is the world's largest port and second largest industrial zone. The plant produces MDI, Polyols and variants, which are used in the manufacture of hard and soft products for mattresses, car dashboards and insulation for domestic appliances. Products can be tailor-made to the customer's specification and many new products are manufactured each year to satisfy the rapidly changing needs of the market.
The Huntsman site has 400 employees and 150 contractors. It has won several awards including the first "Horti" port award for the best looking site in the main port area of Rotterdam and the first winner of the "Responsible Care Award" from the Association fo the Ductch Chemical Industry (VNCI).
Emerson Process Management (www.emersonprocess.com), an Emerson business, is a leader in helping businesses automate their production, processing and distribution in the chemical, oil and gas, refining, pulp and paper, power, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and other industries. Asset Optimization, www.assetweb.com, a division of Emerson Process Management, is a leading worldwide supplier of services and technologies to increase the availability and performance of production assets for improved bottom line results. Asset Optimization plays a key role in Emerson's mission of combining superior products and technology with industry-specific engineering, consulting, project management and maintenance services to help customers achieve the potential of their operations.
Emerson (www.gotoemerson.com), based in St. Louis, is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and appliance and tools businesses. Sales in fiscal 2004 were $15.6 billion.
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