RohMax Additives GmbH has broken ground in Jurong Island, Singapore, for its new 10 million (U.S. $13.52 million) manufacturing facility, which willproduce its Viscoplex brand of lubricant additives for use in automotive and industrial applications.
Parent company Degussa GmbH first announced the plant in February 2005. The facility, which will operate as RohMax Asia Pacific Ptd. Ltd., is scheduled to open in 2008. The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by customers and local dignitaries, was held May 22.
Rohmax expects to employ 30 to 40 people at the facility, RohMax spokesman Ingrid Price told Lube Report. The growth expectancy is predominantly in the automotive industry, Price said.
Company officials said a plant in Singapore will simplify logistics and allow quicker response times to customers.
The plant is expected to produce enough to meet most of the Viscoplex demand of Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and is designed to support the expected lubricants growth in the regions over the next 10 years, according to Dirk Reese, managing director of RohMax Oil Additives.
RohMax regional manager for Asia Pacific Eric Fillod said the plants supply facilities, in addition to supporting growth in the region, can also improve the companys range of customized local services.
Asia is the fastest growing lubricants market in the world today, said Eric Fillod, RohMax regional manager for Asia Pacific. Singapores strategic location and excellent infrastucture, coupled with its commitment to the chemicals industry, made it an ideal choice for our new facility.
The Viscoplex line, which uses polyalkyl methacrylate technology, includes viscosity index improvers and pour point depressants, each of which are polymers used to formulate multigrade engine oils, transmission fluids, hydraulic fluids, gear oils, other industrial lubricants and dewaxing aids.
Headquartered in Darmstadt, Germany, RohMax forms part of the Specialty Acrylics business unit of Dusseldorf, Germany-based Degussa.