Written on 13.05.2014 - Industry
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Lion Copolymer completes EPDM expansion study

Following the recent sale of its SBR and NBR businesses to East West Copolymer, LLC, Lion Copolymer Geismar, LLC has completed a detailed engineering study for an additional 60,000 – 80,000 metric tonnes per year EPDM manufacturing line, to be located at its current Geismar, LA, USA, site and complementing the company's existing four EPDM polymerisation units.

If the company pursues the expansion plan, the new EPDM line will bring the site's nameplate capacity to more than 200,000 metric tonnes per year and will utilise existing infrastructure. Lion Copolymer already expanded its EPDM capacity by 35,000 metric tonnes per year since acquiring the site in 2007.

In addition to expanding production capacities and capabilities, Lion says it is exploring options to strengthen its position in key raw materials, including co-investing in new ethane cracker capacities.

Jesse Zeringue, President of Lion Copolymer said “US Gulf Coast raw material cost advantages and the proven performance of Royalene EPDM in the global marketplace are key drivers in the decision to review expansion options. Our decision to divest the SBR business will allow us to focus our efforts on growing the EPDM business and explore new strategic opportunities.”

Lion Copolymer Holdings, LLC recently completed the sale of Lion Copolymer LLC, the SBR and NBR businesses, to East West Copolymer, LLC. Financial terms were not disclosed. East West has been operating the SBR and NBR businesses since February 2014 under a temporary operating agreement.