Lion completes EPDM expansion study

Lion Copolymer, Geismar (Lion) has recently completed a detailed engineering study for an additional 60,000-80,000 metric tons per year EPDM manufacturing line, to be located at the current Geismar Louisiana site and complementing Lion's existing four EPDM polymerization units. The new EPDM line will bring the site's nameplate capacity to more than 200,000 metric tons per year and will utilize existing infrastructure. Lion already expanded its EPDM capacity by 35,000 metric tons per year since acquiring the site in 2007.

In addition to expanding production capacities and capabilities, Lion is exploring options to strengthen its position in key raw materials, including co-investing in new ethane cracker capacities. Jesse Zeringue, President of Lion Copolymer said “U.S. Gulf Coast raw material cost advantages and the proven performance of Royalene EPDM in the global marketplace are key drivers in the decision to review expansion options. Our decision to divest the SBR business will allow us to focus our efforts on growing the EPDM business and explore new strategic opportunities.”