HOUSTON and ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands, Sept. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- LyondellBasell,
one of the largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in
the world, today announced the successful startup of a new 20
kilotonne per year polypropylene (PP) compounding plant in
Dalian, China. This is the
company's third facility in China,
strategically located to serve the region's growing automotive
market.
"With China's automobile market poised for significant growth
over the next several years this facility allows us to better serve
our customers, reduce shipping time and logistics costs while
delivering a strong return for our shareholders," said
LyondellBasell CEO Bob Patel. "This
plant leverages our global value chain, from polypropylene
technology to specialized compounded products, for the benefit of
our customers in the region."
LyondellBasell is the largest producer of PP compounds in the
world, with 15 wholly owned facilities, including the Dalian plant, and three joint ventures in 12
countries. Currently in China,
LyondellBasell operates PP compounding plants in Suzhou and
Guangzhou. The addition of the
Dalian plant allows the company's
further expansion into the strategically important North China region which is home to a number
of major automobile manufacturers including BMW, Daimler, GM,
Volkswagen, Audi, Nissan and Chery.
"This plant will supply our customers with the innovative
products they need to produce more efficient and comfortable
vehicles and allow us to maintain our leadership position in the
automotive sector," said Richard Roudeix, LyondellBasell senior
vice president, Olefins & Polyolefins, Europe, Asia
and International.
Jean Gadbois, LyondellBasell
senior vice president, Manufacturing, Europe, Asia
and International, added, "Our plants in China use the same process and materials as
the plants in other strategic regions to guarantee uniformity of
specifications for our global customers."
LyondellBasell's PP compounds are found in almost all modern
vehicles and significantly contribute to improved fuel efficiency
and the ability of automobile manufacturers to comply with strict
environmental standards for car interiors. For example:
- Vehicle weight can be reduced by high-flow materials, allowing
a reduction in wall thickness without compromising mechanical
properties;
- Components displaying a visual metallic effect can be
molded-in-color for paint-free exterior applications;
- Soft touch polypropylene compounds provide a pleasant
experience in door panels, trims and handles for interior
applications;
- Materials containing low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and
low odor for use in car interior components that meet strict
environmental standards and protect the health of the passengers;
and,
- Low density talc-filled compounds that provide a lightweight
alternative for both interior and exterior applications.
Most recently, in 2015, the company announced the strategic
acquisition of SJS Plastiblends Pvt. Ltd and the PP compounding
assets of Zylog Plastalloys Pvt., making LyondellBasell the third
largest producer of PP compounds in India. All LyondellBasell PP compounding
plants provide tailor-made solutions allowing automobile parts to
meet demanding automotive specifications while providing
consistency with global quality standards.
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SOURCE LyondellBasell