Arlanxeo to expand CR capacity in Germany

Arlanxeo is investing a higher single-digit million euro amount in the expansion of chloroprene rubber (CR) production at its Dormagen site in Germany. The capacity will be increased to a total of up to 70,000 t/y, which is expected to be available in Q1-2019.

“The strong global demand for our chloroprene rubbers will continue in the coming years,” said Stefan Rittmann, head of the Arlanxeo business line that produces CR and Managing Director of Arlanxeo Deutschland GmbH. According to the company, demand for chloroprene rubbers is growing by about 4 % per year, particularly in Asia and especially in China.“At the same time, this expansion represents a clear commitment to our biggest German site, Dormagen, from which we serve the global demand,” said Rittmann.

The capacity expansion will start in Q2-2018. As part of the expansion, a production line will be renewed and equipped with new reactors with a higher capacity. This will optimise existing processes and make production processes more flexible, said the company.

The company produces and markets its chloroprene rubbers under the names Baypren and Baypren ALX. They are used, e.g., in the production of cable sheathing, belts, conveyor belts and wetsuits, as well as in adhesive applications, and feature high weather, UV and oil resistance. Chloroprene rubbers are products of Arlanxeo’s High Performance Elastomers business unit.

www.arlanxeo.com