Interview with Ron Commander

What does the new facility mean for your Butyl Rubber business unit?

LANXESS is already one of the world’s leading suppliers of butyl rubber. Over the next 15 years, the butyl rubber market looks set to enjoy further substantial growth – especially in China and India. LANXESS is responding to these market developments by building the new facility. This will make an important contribution to the company’s continued success.

What exactly will be produced at the new facility?

The new facility will manufacture halobutyl rubber and conventional butyl rubber. Both butyl and halobutyl rubber are impermeable to gas. This type of rubber creates a reliable barrier to air, other gases and liquids.

What end products are these rubbers used in?

The main applications for conventional butyl rubber are hoses and tires, but it is also one of the base materials for making chewing gum.
Halobutyl rubber is mainly used for the inner liners of tubeless tires. One special application is the manufacture of caps for pharmaceutical products that have to be reliably protected against moisture.

Will LANXESS staff be transferred or undergo further training for this project and will new staff be taken on?

The facility will create around 200 new highly skilled jobs in Singapore.