Former Sinopec Toufen plant may become industrial park, says county official

The future of the former Sinopec Toufen plant in Taiwan's Miaoli County is under discussion following its cessation of production. County Magistrate Chung Tung-chin has indicated a leaning towards repurposing the site as an industrial park.

Sinopec announced in November that its head production line and nylon plant in Toufen would be decommissioned. County Councilor Tseng Wen-hsueh raised the issue during a legislative session, inquiring about the site's future utilization. Chung responded that the new chairman of Sinopec had recently visited and expressed a preference for self-managing the site's transformation into an industrial zone.

The county government has pledged full cooperation with Sinopec's plans. Chung noted that the plant's land is zoned for special industrial use, but its proximity to residential areas and schools makes heavy industry unsuitable. He has previously appealed to the Minister of Economic Affairs for assistance in facilitating the land use change.

Another proposal involved the National Science Council acquiring the land to expand the Hsinchu Science Park, attracting high-tech industries. However, as the land remains privately owned by Sinopec, its consent is paramount. Chung believes that transforming the site into an industrial park would still attract businesses and stimulate economic development.