ExxonMobil Chemical to Increase Polypropylene Compounding Capacity at Lillebonne Facility

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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.