ExxonMobil affiliate to expand halobutyl rubber capacity in Kashima

“Demand for halobutyl rubber is expected to grow at about six percent per year, mainly in the Asia Pacific region,” said John Lyon, vice president, butyl polymers, ExxonMobil Chemical. “The expansion by our affiliate’s joint venture at Kashima will add 10,000 tons per year of capacity in the region. This aligns with ExxonMobil Chemical’s long-term commitment to meet industry demand.”

This is the second capacity expansion in five years at the Kashima halobutyl rubber plant.
The JBC butyl polymers manufacturing plant at Kawasaki also completed a major expansion in 2010 to bring its total capacity to 98,000 t/y.

Since 1995 ExxonMobil Chemical has more than doubled its global halobutyl rubber capacity.

About Japan Butyl Co., Ltd.
Japan Butyl Co., Ltd., a butyl rubber manufacturing company, is a joint venture of ExxonMobil Yugen Kaisha and JSR Corporation. The company serves as a supply base for butyl rubber primarily in Asia. ExxonMobil Yugen Kaisha holds a 50 percent stake in Japan Butyl Co., Ltd.

About the ExxonMobil Japan Group
The ExxonMobil Japan Group comprises ExxonMobil Yugen Kaisha and its related companies and subsidiaries including TonenGeneral Sekiyu K.K. and Tonen Chemical Corp., and is a major manufacturer and marketer in Japan of petroleum fuels, lubricants and petrochemicals. Elements of the Group began operations in Japan in 1893. ExxonMobil Yugen Kaisha is a 100% indirect subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation of the United States. TonenGeneral Sekiyu K.K., an affiliate of ExxonMobil Yugen Kaisha, which holds 50.02 percent of its shares, is listed on the 1st Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.