ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, May 5 /PRNewswire/ -- LyondellBasell Industries announced today that it will stop producing polypropylene at its Morris, Ill. plant in the fourth quarter of 2008. Production will be shifted to other sites. Polyethylene production at the site will not be affected.
"The decision to stop polypropylene production at our Morris plant supports LyondellBasell's long-term strategy to rationalize and concentrate production in our industry-leading Spheripol and Spherizone process facilities," said Yves Bonte, Senior Vice President of LyondellBasell's Polypropylene Business.
LyondellBasell currently operates three polypropylene lines in Pasadena, Texas, and two polypropylene lines in Lake Charles, La. All of these units use Spheripol process technology. LyondellBasell's joint venture Indelpro, located in Mexico, operates a Spheripol process line and is building a new 350 KT Spherizone polypropylene plant at Altamira which is scheduled to start up later this year.
Yves added, "In today's competitive environment, economies of scale and the ability to produce innovative, differentiated products are essential for business growth. In addition to being more cost effective, this will also allow us to improve our portfolio of grades and enhance overall product quality which will benefit our customers."
LyondellBasell Industries is one of the world's largest polymers, petrochemicals and fuels companies. LyondellBasell is the global leader in polyolefins technology, production and marketing; a pioneer in propylene oxide and derivatives; and a significant producer of fuels and refined products, including bio-fuels. Through research and development, LyondellBasell develops innovative materials and technologies that deliver exceptional customer value and products that improve quality of life for people around the world. Headquartered in The Netherlands, LyondellBasell (http://www.lyondellbasell.com/) is privately owned by Access Industries.
SOURCE: LyondellBasell Industries
CONTACT: Mark Mendelson of LyondellBasell Industries, +1-302-683-8141,
mark.mendelson@lyondellbasell.com
Web site: http://www.lyondellbasell.com/