Afton Chemical began construction last week of a lubricant additive plant on Jurong Island, Singapore, The facility is scheduled to begin operating in late 2015.
The new 49,000 square meter plant will cost U.S. $100 million and will have 51 employees.
Aftons timeline calls for the plant to start producing detergents in 2016, and for subsequent installation of additional units that will produce dispersants and ZDDP antiwear agents by the end of 2018. The company said materials from the plant will be marketed in the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East.
In addition to improved supply flexibility, this plant provides opportunities for first intent products – products made in Asia-Pacific for Asia-Pacific, Afton President Rob Shama said in a recent news release. The company will continue full operations at its existing plants in other regions, Shama added.
In recent years, weve intensified our focus on this important region, said Damian Barnes, the companys vice president of supply. Since 2008, weve opened two new sales offices, four local warehouses and expanded our [research and development] facilities in Asia.
A physical groundbreaking took place on June 25 to commence construction, which is being managed by Foster Wheeler Singapore.
Afton Chemical specializes in manufacturing engine oil, industrial, driveline and fuel additives and lubricant components. The company is a subsidiary of NewMarket, a United States-based holding company that focuses on performance specialty chemicals.