ExxonMobil doubles manufacturing capacity of UK specialty elastomers plant

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FOLLOWING a plant expansion ExxonMobil has doubled the manufacturing capacity of a plant in Newport, Wales, increasing its global manufacturing capacity for Santoprene thermoplastic elastomers by 25%.

Santoprene thermoplastic elastomers are high performance materials for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications. The elastomers help to make products light weight and offer manufacturing flexibility, ease of processing, and durability. They also offer the potential for reduced systems costs, reduced weight, and recyclability compared to materials such as thermoset rubber. The elastomers can be reused and re-engineered, additionally leading to reduced shipping weights and more sustainability.

The expansion project doubled the capacity of what had been a 50,000 t/y plant. The project created 35 full-time jobs and supported 130 jobs during construction.

ExxonMobil also manufactures Santoprene in Pensacola, Florida, US.

Recently ExxonMobil also announced plans to expand a refinery in Fawley, UK to increase its production of ultra-low sulfur diesel by almost 45%, or 38,000 bbl/d. Last year the company announced plans to invest in a US$650m upgrade of the refinery, in the company’s biggest investment in the UK for 30 years.