Additives manufacturer SI Group is expanding production capacity at its Rasal, India, factory for antioxidants used in lubricants and greases, and will use the facility to make its first aminic antioxidants. The expansion will increase capacity by several thousand tons, according to the company.
SI Group, based in The Woodlands, Texas, announced the expansion this week for its facility located in Rasal, India. The company makes antioxidants under its Ethanox brand and said the extra capacity would be used to produce its 4757 aminic variant, used for high-temperature applications.
“SI Group has been a leading supplier of phenolic antioxidants for decades and we’re excited to expand our portfolio to include aminic antioxidants. Leveraging our backward integration, SI Group will be able to offer our customers additional security of supply for this key material,” said Stuart McTavish, Market Development Manager of Fuel and Lubricant Additives at SI Group.
The company had only made phenolic antioxidants for its lubricant applications up to this point. Its antioxidants are used in industrial lubricants, engine oils, electric vehicle fluids and greases. According to SI Group, the liquid aminic antioxidant provides a synergistic increase in performance when used with phenolic antioxidants.
The company did not disclose the exact amount capacity was increased, or the cost of the expansion. The project is estimated to begin before the end of the year.
SI works in multiple markets, including aerospace, tires and plastics, offering a number of products. It operates in North America, Europe and Asia. According to its website, SI Group has two business units and a regional office in India in Maharashtra.