Arlanxeo Plans Construction of New HNBR Production Facility in China

Arlanxeo, a prominent synthetic rubber manufacturer, is set to bolster its production capabilities with the construction of a new hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) plant in Changzhou, eastern China. Announced on February 29, the facility aims to have a nameplate production capacity of 5 kilotonnes per annum (ktpa). This strategic move aligns with Arlanxeo's commitment to investing in high-growth markets and addressing the escalating global demand for advanced synthetic rubber products.

The upcoming plant in Changzhou represents a pivotal step for Arlanxeo, contributing significantly to meeting the surging global demand for advanced synthetic rubber. The facility's construction, scheduled to commence soon, anticipates completion by the third quarter of 2025. The initial phase of construction will facilitate the production of 2.5 ktpa of Therban-branded rubber, a key product in Arlanxeo's portfolio.

Expressing his views on this strategic expansion, Arlanxeo CEO Stephan van Santbrink highlighted the company's dedication to investing in high-growth markets. He emphasized that this decision represents a substantial leap forward in meeting the escalating global demand for cutting-edge synthetic rubber products. The move aligns with Arlanxeo's commitment to staying at the forefront of industry developments and catering to the evolving needs of various sectors.

The decision to establish a new HNBR production plant in Changzhou reflects Arlanxeo's strategic intent to serve the rising demand with locally manufactured synthetic rubber. Hong Sun, Managing Director of Arlanxeo China, noted that this expansion would position Arlanxeo to effectively address increasing demand by offering locally produced synthetic rubber. This localized approach aligns with the broader trend of ensuring a robust and responsive supply chain in key markets.

Arlanxeo's commitment to expanding its HNBR capacity is evident through various recent investments. The company upgraded its facilities in Germany and the United States, enhancing its supply capabilities. The debottlenecking initiative in Leverkusen, Germany, and Orange, Texas, completed by the end of last year, was expected to add nearly 1,000 tons of new capacity for HNBR grades. This strategic move positioned Arlanxeo to strengthen its position in the global market for advanced synthetic rubber.

Arlanxeo's decision to construct a new HNBR production plant in Changzhou, China, underscores its strategic commitment to meeting the escalating global demand for advanced synthetic rubber products. This expansion not only reflects the company's dedication to investing in high-growth markets but also positions Arlanxeo to provide locally produced synthetic rubber, ensuring agility in addressing evolving market needs. With a track record of recent capacity upgrades and debottlenecking initiatives, Arlanxeo remains at the forefront of the synthetic rubber industry, poised to contribute significantly to various sectors relying on the unique properties of HNBR.