Arlanxeo establishing synthetic rubber plant in Saudi Arabia

Following the final investment decision by Aramco and TotalEnergies to build a joint venture petrochemical facility in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, Arlanxeo announced it would set up a 140 kilotonne-per-annum (ktpa) plant nearby to produce Ultra High cis Polybutadiene (NdBR) for tyre treads as well as Lithium Butadiene Rubber (LiBR) for use in plastics. Arlanxeo aims to award engineering, procurement, and construction contracts in the second half of 2023. Construction begins next year and commercial operations are expected to commence in 2027.

“The planned construction of a 140 ktpa rubber plant in Saudi Arabia, integrated within SATORP’s (Saudi Aramco Total Refining and Petrochemical) Butadiene facility, underscores Arlaxneo’s drive to grow in a competitive market,” states Olivier Thorel, chairman of Arlanxeo’s shareholders’ committee and the company’s senior vice president of chemicals. “With Arlanxeo’s unparalleled expertise in developing, producing and marketing high-performance synthetic rubbers, the strategic rationale for the project is clear and compelling.”

Donald Chen, chief executive officer of Arlanxeo, adds: “Arlanxeo is delighted to announce the planned expansion of its asset base to Saudi Arabia. The project is an important part of our growth plans and is expected to reinforce Arlanxeo’s leadership position in high-performance rubbers. This is the start of an exciting chapter for Arlanxeo and our emndbrployees, and we look forward to supplying our customers with reliable rubber from a world-class and highly competitive asset.”