Exxon Expands Tyre Polymer Production

Exxon Mobil Corp has announced that its chemical business is doubling its production capacity for a polymer used in tyre inner liners. ExxonMobil Chemical, one of the world’s largest chemical firms, is expanding its Baytown, Texas plant to support advancements in high-barrier, lightweight tyre liners. The company predicted that the expansion will be complete by the end of 2006, the Associated Press reported. The polymer, a proprietary product called Exxpro, can be used to maker lighter commercial truck tyres, reduce tyre cure time and improve tire durability, the company said.