ExxonMobil Chemical opened its new metallocene polyalphaolefin synthetic lubricant base stock plant at its Baytown, Texas complex, boosting the companys global PAO capacity by 50,000 metric tons per year.
We’re not disclosing the investment for the plant, and it is integrated into the [Baytown] complex and its workforce, ExxonMobil Chemical spokeswoman Margaret Ross told Lube Report.
The Baytown synthetic base stocks plant project at its peak employed more than 700 construction-related workers, the company said in a news release.
SpectraSyn Elite mPAO base stocks use a proprietary metallocene catalyst process, and offer higher viscosity index, improved shear stability and enhanced low-temperature properties, ExxonMobil Chemical claims.
At ExxonMobil Chemical, we believe that innovative lubricants start with using high-performing synthetic base stocks, said Russ Green, ExxonMobil Chemical global synthetics vice president, in the news release. Thats why we have invested in new technology and production capacity at our Baytown chemical complex to support the expected long-term global growth of synthetic automotive and industrial lubricants.
According to the companys web site, its mPAO base stock is particularly well suited for industrial oils requiring high stability under severe operating conditions. It can also be used in combination with lower-viscosity fluids (PAO, mineral oils) to formulate a wide range of industrial and automotive lubricants and greases.
ExxonMobil Chemical has total PAO capacity of 144,500 tons per year at plants in Beaumont, Texas, and Gravenchon, France.