HORGEN, Switzerland—Styron L.L.C. plans to convert a nickel butadiene rubber line at its plant in Schkopau, Germany, to the production of neodymium butadiene rubber to meet increasing demand for ultra high performance tires.
The conversion project is expected to begin this year and will conclude in the fourth quarter of 2015. Financial data on the conversion was not released.
Coupled with the company's existing technology in solution styrene butadiene rubber, the addition of the Nd-BR train will allow Styron to help customers around the globe meet increasing demand for green tires and ultra-high performance tires, the Berwyn-headquartered company said.
The project ties in with Styron's plans to expand its rubber business, broaden its product range and maintain product leadership, according to Francesca Reverberi, global business director of synthetic rubber for the firm.