Afton Chemical Corp. announced last week that it has completed the first part of a two-phase expansion at its factory in Sauget, Ill. The expansion, which is scheduled to be completed during the first quarter of 2007, will increase capacity for detergent additives by 20 percent.
Officials said the chemical additive supplier undertook the project to accommodate growing demand from existing customers.
Although the market remains tight, we are committed to supporting and growing with our current customers, President Warren Huang said Friday.
Afton, which is based in Richmond, Va., did not disclose the cost of the project. The Sauget plant is the only Afton facility that makes detergents. It makes detergent additives for a range of lubricant applications, but the expansion istargeted to the engine oil market.
Because of projected increases in customer demand, Afton said its factory utilization rates will remain high after the expansion.