Mar 1 2006
LANXESS, the world’s leading producer of TMQ (2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline, polymerized), is announcing a phased expansion of TMQ production capacity at its world-scale facility in Brunsbüttel, Germany. LANXESS, who globally markets the material as Vulkanox® HS, is the world's leading TMQ producer using a conti process.
The first just completed expansion phase, based upon debottlenecking measures, has increased capacity from the existing 15kt/yr to 20kt/yr. A second expansion phase, subject to approval by local authorities, calls for an additional expansion to 25kt. The second phase is scheduled for completion in late 2006.
Dr. Rainier van Roessel, Head of the Business Unit Rubber Chemicals views this action as a LANXESS commitment to the future growth of its global customer base, and the tire industry. It is also consistent with his previously published value-oriented strategy.
Vulkanox® HS is used in conjunction with p-phenylenediamines (PPD) for heavily stressed technical goods and tires to protect the goods against oxidation and heat.
In addition to its world-scale plant in Brunsbüttel, Germany, LANXESS currently operates two smaller TMQ plants in both India and South Africa. In connection with the TMQ expansion in Brunsbüttel, production in South Africa will be stopped.
The Rubber Chemicals Business Unit posted sales of between EUR 200 and 500 million in 2004. It belongs to the Performance Chemicals segment, which achieved total sales in 2004 of EUR 1.910 billion.