ExxonMobil Chemical is investing in increased polypropylene (PP)
compounding capacity and capability at its Lillebonne Polypropylene
Plant (LPP), France. Capacity will increase by 45,000 tons to meet
growing demand for Exxtral™ performance polyolefins from automotive
original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) primarily in Europe. The
expansion is due for completion by year end 2009.
The LPP facility currently manufactures neat, filled and compounded PP
such as the new generation compound Exxtral BMU141 that was recently
specified for the instrument panel of the new Citroën Berlingo and
Peugeot Partner. Exxtral polyolefins were also specified for the door
panel, and upper and lower trim of these vehicles.
Exxtral polyolefins have been used primarily for interior and under the
hood automotive applications but are increasingly being specified for
exterior applications, such as bumper fasciae which also are driving
demand.
“This expansion also increases the range of polymers manufactured at
LPP. It is yet another demonstration of ExxonMobil Chemical’s commitment
to meeting the needs of the growing global automotive industry. It
follows announcements last year of capacity and capability increases in
North America and Asia Pacific," said Samuel Deboos, automotive and
appliance sales manager, polypropylene, Europe, ExxonMobil Chemical
specialty compounds business. “As a result, customers will have easier
access to a broader range of Exxtral polyolefins wherever they are
located.”
In January 2008, ExxonMobil Chemical announced the start up of a new $20
million specialty compounding facility in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with an
annual capacity of 40 thousand tons.
Under an agreement announced in September 2008, Resin & Pigment
Technologies Pte. Ltd., Singapore will manufacture a broad range of
ExxonMobil Chemical’s specialty compounds, including Exxtral
polyolefins, for use in automotive interior and exterior applications.
The portfolio of Exxtral performance polyolefins is becoming
increasingly popular with automotive designers and processors looking
for new materials that offer opportunities to reduce weight and cost
without sacrificing performance. Durable in adverse conditions, they
provide outstanding surface hardness, good “fit and finish”
characteristics, fast cycle times and are competitively priced.
About ExxonMobil Chemical
ExxonMobil Chemical is one of the world’s premier petrochemical
companies with manufacturing, technology, and marketing operations
around the world. The company delivers a broad portfolio of products and
solutions efficiently and responsibly, with a commitment to create
outstanding customer and shareholder value. ExxonMobil Chemical endorses
the principles of sustainable development, including the need to balance
economic growth, social development and environmental considerations. To
learn more, visit www.exxonmobilchemical.com.
About ExxonMobil Chemical’s polypropylene portfolio
ExxonMobil Chemical offers a broad portfolio of polypropylene products.
The portfolio includes Exxtral™ performance polyolefins, Achieve™
metallocene polymers, Exxpol™ impact copolymers and ExxonMobil™
polypropylene. These products provide innovative technology solutions
combined with global support in material selection, design, processing
and supply chain management.
|
Note to Editors:
|
|
1.
|
|
The terms, "we," "our," "ExxonMobil Chemical," or "ExxonMobil" are
used for convenience, and may include any one or more of
ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Exxon Mobil Corporation, or any
affiliates they directly or indirectly steward.
|
|
2.
|
|
The ExxonMobil Logo, the Interlocking X Device, ExxonMobil, Exxtral,
Achieve and Exxpol are trademarks of ExxonMobil.
|
ExxonMobil Chemical
Media Line: +1-281-870-6607
