ExxonMobil Chemical has broken ground on a 'world-scale' base stock plant for synthetic lubricant production.
ExxonMobil Chemical executives break ground at the new plant Source: ExxonMobil Chemical |
The chemical plant will be situated in Baytown, Texas and construction is now underway after a ground-breaking ceremony at the site. Operations are expected to begin in 2013.
The facility will produce ExxonMobil's trade marked SpectraSyn Elite, high viscosity metallocene polyalphaolefin (mPAO) which is used as a base stock for high performance lubricants.
mPAO differs from standard PAO through production using a specially developed catalyst process to offer improved perfomance. In particular, according to Exxon, mPAO provides better shear stability, low-temperature capability and an enhanced viscosity index.
The new plant will have a capacity of 50,000 tons annually, adding to the output of ExxonMobil Chemical's existing Baytown complex - the largest of its kind in the US - which includes a refinery, two chemical plants plus engineering and technology centres. The latest addition will keep Exxon ahead of its competitors as the world's largest PAO producer.
Meanwhile, ExxonMobil's Basestocks division has selected two new distributors in Brazil and Australia. Group I and II CORE and EHC products will be distributed throughout Brazil by energy conglomerate COSAN. In Australia, the same arrangement has been set up with logistics specialists Quality Logistic Services Australia (QLSA). Both partners will have full distribution rights for an undisclosed period.