Nizhnekamsk resumes rubber production after fire

Tatarstan, Russia – Nizhnekamskneftekhim (NKNH), a unit of Sibur in Russia’s Tatarstan, has resumed rubber production following a fire that broke out at the facility in December last year.

In a statement provided to ERJ, Sibur said the 12 Dec fire broke out at the rubber extraction shop of the company but involved no casualties or injuries.

“About 2,500 sq.m. out of the shop’s total 5,760 sq.m. have been to a certain extent affected by the fire,” the statement said.

While the shop building remained intact, 20% of the roof was disintegrated, said Sibur, adding that work to dismantle the damaged structures is in progress.

Furthermore, Sibur said that NKNH resumed rubber production at the facility later in the month deploying “a backup line”.

Prior to that, it supplied customers with synthetic rubber from stock.

Sibur said the exact cause of the fire would be disclosed once the ad hoc committee completes its work.

“The investigation is ongoing, with the Russian state fire service looking into all possible causes of the fire,” it added.

Presently, a team of experts and employees is examining the shop building as dismantling of the affected structures continues.

“The process equipment is being checked and inspected for damage. Following the review, it will be determined how to proceed with the repairs,” Sibur added.