Siam Cement Plc (SCC), Thailand’s largest industrial conglomerate, said it may generate revenue in 2005 that is close to last year?s 75.2 billion baht from its petrochemical business, while its gross profit margin could drop as raw material prices may grow faster than prices of plastic pallets. 
SCC, also the largest maker of olefin products, mainly ethylene and propylene, made about a third of its revenue from petrochemical operations, compared to its original concrete and cement business, which contributed a quarter of the revenue in 2004.  The group is now looking for opportunity to jointly invest in a petrochemical project, worth $200 million, in Iran.  SCC recently said it is planning to restructure its business by focusing on investment in its petrochemicals and core businesses.  Published under Cement News