South Korea’s GS Caltex stop the HDPE plant on a mechanical issue

In a notification letter to customers on 21 June 2022, GS Caltex Corporation informed about an unexpected mechanical issue at its HDPE plant, which forced the company to stop operation at one of the lines that produce the blow moulding grade.

The shutdown duration is unclear as the company will need time to procure and change the broken part. GS Caltex, therefore, is ‘unable to deliver the TR571 cargoes for June 2022 shipment’, the notification letter added.

TR571 is an HDPE blow moulding grade used in the production of large drums.

The 500,000 tons/year HDPE plant is a 50-50 joint venture between GS Energy Corp. and Chevron Corp that started up in June 2021. 

Several customers, who are affected by the event told CommoPlast that they are waiting for further clarification from GS Caltex on whether the orders will be cancelled or postponed.