HOUSTON (Feb. 2) — ExxonMobil Chemical said it will boost capacity for halobutyl at its Baytown, Texas, plant by 60 percent by modifying existing equipment and adding new machinery. The project is part of the company's commitment to meet high growth in the halobutyl rubber market and tire industry, and will increase its capacity to make its Exxon T Bromobutyl rubber.
Construction completion on the project is expected during the second quarter of 2008.
"The company continues to invest in halobutyl manufacturing at the Baytown complex, with projects exceeding $400 million since 2000," said Art Sullivan, vice president of ExxonMobil Chemical's Butyl Polymers Global Business.