Project Profile
Value: US$285 million
Location: Jurong Island, Singapore
Production: 140,000 metric tonnes per annum
Start-up Year: 1Q 2015
LANXESS on June 1, 2011, decided to build the world’s largest Neodymium-based Performance Butadiene Rubber (Nd-PBR) plant on Jurong Island, Singapore. LANXESS plans to invest roughly US$285 million in this facility which will produce 140,000 metric tonnes per annum. The plant is expected to start up in the first half of 2015 and approximately about 100 jobs will be created. Nd-PBR is the most versatile of butadiene rubbers.
It is part of a tire’s compound and reduces energy consumption more efficiently than many other tire rubbers. It also reduces tire abrasion thus playing a significant role in making cars safer as well as more ecological and economical.
The new plant will meet strong demand for such “green tires”. It will also be situated next to LANXESS’ butyl rubber (BTR) plant, which is on track to start production in the first quarter of 2013.
LANXESS conducted a feasibility study to evaluate potential locations for the plant in Asia. Singapore won due to a very good raw materials supply. Other arguments in favor of Singapore were its excellent infrastructure, pool of highly-skilled workforce, large sea port and close proximity to growth markets. The new facility will include process and finishing buildings, a central control room, a substation and a tank farm.
Operator:
LANXESS: Operator with 100% interest
Contractors:
Global Engineering and Construction Group (Foster Wheeler): EPCm contract