ExxonMobil has commenced production of Escorez hydrogenated hydrocarbon resin and halobutyl rubber at its integrated manufacturing complex in Singapore.

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Image: A refinery complex. Photo: courtesy of Julie Elliott-Abshire/Freeimages.com.

Claimed to be the largest of its kind, the new Escorez hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins plant is equipped to have production capacity of 90,000 tons per year to meet long-term demand growth for hot-melt adhesives used in packaging or baby diapers.

Additionally, the new 140,000-tonnes-per-year butyl plant is equipped to produce premium halobutyl rubber used by manufacturers for tires that better maintain inflation to improve fuel economy.

ExxonMobil Chemical president John Verity said: “These new plants enhance the competitiveness and strategic importance of ExxonMobil’s integrated manufacturing facility in Singapore, and are part of the company’s long-term plan for advantaged investments around the world.

“We remain committed to safe and environmentally-responsible operations as we manufacture products that support better living standards and economic progress for a fast-growing middle class population in Asia Pacific.”

The expansion project has employed more than 5,500 contract workers at the peak of construction phase.

ExxonMobil Asia Pacific chairman and managing director Gan Seow Kee said: “With these latest additions, we are well-positioned to serve customers in key Asian growth markets.

“The expansion helps to further establish Singapore as a key producer of fuels and petrochemical products, particularly products that help our customers improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.”

The startup of the two new plants follows ExxonMobil’s acquisition of aromatics production facilities in Singapore last year.

ExxonMobil said that the new plants expand its flexible steam cracking capability in Singapore.

The Singapore complex also comprises a new cogeneration unit at the refinery. The new unit brings the total cogeneration capacity of the site to over 440MW.

The plant comprises downstream units designed to produce commodity and performance polymers, aromatics and oxo alcohol.