Arlanxeo-TSRC JV plant relocating, growing capacity

In response to local government environmental protection measures in the Yangtze River region and with the aim of establishing “one of the most modern NBR plants in the world,” Arlanxeo and TSRC are relocating their joint venture synthetic rubber facility. The Arlanxeo-TSRC (Nantong) Chemical Industrial Co. Ltd. plant will thus move from the northern to the southern section of the Nantong Economy and Technology Development Area (NETDA) Chemical Park, in China’s Jiangsu Province. The move to the new location will be accompanied by an increase in nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) capacity from 30,000 to 40,000 tons per annum, growth that will support local demands and reinforce global supply.

Established in 2010, Arlanxeo-TSRC (Nantong) Chemical Industrial Co. Ltd. is a 50:50 joint venture between Arlanxeo and TSRC Corporation. In designing and constructing the new plant, the joint venture company will apply best-in-class technology and high standards for safe operations and environmental protection. It will implement the project without any interruption to business.

Exciting growth potential

“Our close partnership with Arlanxeo over the past decade has given us strong confidence in making continuous investments in Nantong,” states Kevin Liu, vice-president of TSRC’s Synthetic Rubber division. “Arlanxeo’s global leading position in NBR offered the JV company a solid foundation, and we remain excited at the growth potential while meeting customer needs in NBR products and contributing to a greener future.”

“China remains one of the most strategic markets for Arlanxeo, one that is experiencing high growth, whilst innovation and sustainability requirements are rising to meet national development goals,” adds Herman Dikland, chief technology officer at Arlanxeo. “Together with TSRC and leveraging their profound expertise in engineering and production know-how in China, we are committed to supporting this industry transformation opportunity together.”

The construction of the new joint venture plant will start in the middle of 2022. Supply from the existing plant will be sufficient to offer business continuity and ensure the smooth transition until the new plant is fully operational.