Lion Elastomers to enter NBR sphere with Port Neches expansion

PORT NECHES, Texas—Lion Elastomers L.L.C. is planning to expand its emulsion-based facility in Port Neches to manufacture nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR).

The expansion project is scheduled for operation in the second half of 2022 with "further expansion and diversity of offerings to be subsequently added," said Texas-based company in an Oct. 27 statement.

The company did not provide details about the capacity or the investment size of the project.

"This new undertaking will position the company to support the domestic demand and provide security of supply for nitrile rubber," Lion said in the press release.

Major markets, the company added, include general mechanical goods, automotive parts, oil and gas field supplies, medical devices, and personal protective equipment.

"This is a unique opportunity for Lion Elastomers to demonstrate its ability to expand its elastomeric polymer selection to meet the ever-growing needs and expectations of customers," it said.

Describing it as a "growth opportunity," President and CEO Kho Irani said the move was part of the company's strategy to provide a more diverse portfolio of "competitive and quality polymers."