Lanxess Moving Butyl Rubber Global Headquarters to Singapore

Demand for butyl rubber is growing in the Asia-Pacific, and in order to better serve customers in this region, Lanxess AG intends to relocate its Butyl Rubber business unit headquarters there next year. The company made an announcement to this effect on November 9, and as of 2010 the headquarters will thus leave Fribourg in Switzerland and join the Singapore based Southeast Asian businesses of Lanxess’ 13 business units.

“We want to be close to our customers in the Asia-Pacific and being in Singapore allows us to do that,” stated Dr. Ron Commander, global head of the Lanxess Butyl Rubber business unit. “Singapore’s pro-business environment, the ability to attract talents from all over the world, and a world-class infrastructure for logistics and supply chain management are all compelling reasons for us to operate our global business from here.”

 “We are delighted that Lanxess has decided to locate its global headquarters for the Butyl Rubber business unit in Singapore,” added Leo Yip, chairman of the Singapore Economic Development Board. “This significant decision reflects Lanxess’ confidence and trust in Singapore as Asia’s leading energy and chemicals hub. It is also testament to Singapore’s attractiveness as a home for companies to manage their regional as well as global activities.”

The Butyl Rubber business unit has previously announced the construction of 100,000-ton per annum plant on Singapore’s Jurong Island, and has scheduled production to start in 2014. With an investment of up to 400 million euros, the plant is expected to be the largest of its kind in Asia. Lanxess states the plant will be equipped with a unique breakthrough technology that will make it the world’s most modern butyl rubber facility.