Chemtura, a global manufacturer and distributor of specialty chemicals, has planned to establish a European manufacturing facility to increase the production of its Synton series of high-viscosity polyalphaolefin (HVPAO) products.
The company has commenced engineering work at its site located in Ankerweg, The Netherlands. The facility will produce Synton 100 and Synton 40 lines of synthetic basestocks and production is expected to start by 2013. Recently, the company has also expanded the production capacity at its facility in Elmira, Canada for Synton 100 HVPAO and Synton 40 PAO grades. These capacity expansions signify the company’s commitment to the development of the renewable energy sector.
Synton HVPAO products are utilized as viscosity improvers and base stocks in various synthetic lubricant formulations, including engine oils and gear oils. Also, Chemtura’s Synton line of synthetic basestocks can be used to produce industrial and automotive oils with an extended life. Synton PAO 40 is extensively utilized in wind turbines to produce energy with low emissions, said Chet Cross, executive vice president, Chemtura Engineered & Industrial Performance Products.
President and General Manger of Chemtura’s Petroleum Additives division, Dr. Sean O’Connor stated that Chemtura is expanding its manufacturing capacity to address the growing global demand for HVPAO products. The production capability in Europe will enable the company to further improve its service offerings and continue to meet customer requirements.