Lanxess to convert Geleen EPDM production to ACE
Geleen, Netherlands -- Lanxess AG is investing EUR 12 million to convert 50 percent of its ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) synthetic rubber production in Geleen, the Netherlands, to innovative Keltan ACE technology. During 2013, the
German specialty chemicals company will implement the new technology at
the largest of its three production lines, which accounts for half of
the total production capacity of 160,000 metric tons per year in Geleen.
The company did not say oif this will increase output from the unit. Compared with conventional production processes, Keltan ACE technology
reduces energy requirements for rubber production and it does not
require catalyst extraction as a result of high catalyst efficiency.
Furthermore, the process enables the manufacture of new EPDM rubber
grades. It is similar to a metallocene process, with single site polymerisation, which leads to more repeatability in the manufacturing process.
In addition, Lanxess will set up a new headquarters in Geleen for its
global EPDM Rubber business. The building for up to 120 employees will
be constructed on the chemical industrial site Chemelot. The contracts
with the Chemelot Campus Consortium were signed today. Construction will
start in the spring of 2012, and inauguration is planned for the
beginning of 2013.
In May 2011, Lanxess acquired the EPDM rubber business of Royal DSM N.V.
for EUR 310 million, with 420 employees worldwide - including 260 in
Sittard-Geleen. “The integration process of the new EPDM business into Lanxess is
running smoothly and is already contributing very positively to group
earnings,“ said Guenther Weymans, Lanxess Country Head for the
Netherlands and Head of the Technical Rubber Products business unit.
Press release from Lanxess
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