ExxonMobil Chemical opens synthetic base stocks production plant in Texas

ExxonMobil Chemical has opened a new manufacturing facility that will allow the company to produce up to 50,000 tons of SpectraSyn Elite metallocene polyalphaolefin (mPAO) synthetic lubricant base stocks annually. The facility is located at the company's integrated refining and chemical complex in Baytown, Texas.

Developed using a proprietary metallocene catalyst process, SpectraSyn Elite mPAO base stocks are scientifically engineered to offer improved performance characteristics versus conventional PAO base stocks, according to ExxonMobil Chemical. These attributes include higher viscosity index, improved shear stability and enhanced low-temperature properties. SpectraSyn Elite mPAO can help formulators manufacture automotive and industrial finished lubricants that offer greater durability, enhanced energy efficiency and extended drain intervals, the company says.

“At ExxonMobil Chemical, we believe that innovative lubricants start with using high-performing synthetic base stocks, such as SpectraSyn Elite mPAO,” said Russ Green, ExxonMobil Chemical global synthetics business vice president. “That’s 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.”

ExxonMobil Chemical is among the world’s largest synthetic base stocks providers, offering a wide selection of advanced synthetic base stock fluids, including SpectraSyn and SpectraSyn Plus PAOs, Synesstic alkylated naphthalene and Esterex ester fluids.