ExxonMobil Chemical

ExxonMobil Chemical is increasing polypropylene (PP) compounding capacity at its Lillebonne Polypropylene Plant (LPP) in France by 45,000 tons to meet demand for Exxtral performance polyolefins from automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), primarily in Europe. The expansion is due for completion by the end of the year.

The LPP facility manufactures neat, filled and compounded PP such as the new generation compound Exxtral BMU141 recently specified for the instrument panel of the new Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner. Exxtral polyolefins were also specified for the door panels and 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.

“This expansion also increases the range of polymers manufactured at LPP,” says Samuel Deboos, automotive and appliance sales manager, polypropylene, Europe, ExxonMobil Chemical specialty compounds business. “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. 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 opening of a $20 million specialty compounding facility in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA, with an annual capacity of 40,000 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.
www.exxonmobilchemical.com