Assessing Methanol Production in China for Methanex

Methanex is the world leader in methanol production and marketing. China is an important market; by 2014 it is forecasted to account for 50% of global demand. The purpose of this project is to determine whether Methanex should invest in methanol production in China. The project approach uses a multi-goal analysis focusing on three goals: (1) Consistent with Corporate Vision, (2) Sustainment of Existing Competitive Advantages, and (3) Profitability. Based on the analysis, the project concludes that Methanex should not produce methanol in China until coal to methanol technology is more profitable and environmentally feasible. The project also proposes a hybrid alternative that focuses on increasing market share and footprint in China, while continuing to monitor developments in coal technology.