TPC Group to expand production capacity of polyisobutylene (PIB)

13-Feb-13

TPC Group Inc. (TPC) has commenced engineering to expand production capacity of polyisobutylene (PIB) to meet its customers' needs. TPC uses proprietary technology to produce both highly reactive PIB (HR-PIB) products, which are used in lubricant and fuel additives, and PIB products for conventional applications such as adhesives, caulks, sealants, and coatings. TPC technology is unique in that it can produce both types of products in a wide range of molecular weights within the same unit, which offers the Company an unrivaled ability to meet the needs of a growing market The need for a capacity expansion is driven by the growing demand for HR-PIB due to upcoming changes in the technical standards for lubricating oils that favor use of HR-PIB based dispersants, as well as an increasing demand for the wide variety of other end uses, including automotive sealants and industrial lubricants. TPC has commenced engineering to expand the Company's existing capacity to meet this growing need. "TPC Group is committed to maintaining its position as the premier supplier of PIB in North America," said President and CEO Michael McDonnell. "As the leading merchant producer of PIB, we are focused on meeting the needs of our customers for high quality products delivered through our extensive logistics network. We back our commitment to our customers with the security of multiple production units and multiple sources of feedstock supply, including our own isobutylene production unit targeted for startup in 2014."