A. Lee Graham Reporter
Irving-based Exxon Mobil Corp.’s Singapore Chemical Plant has begun producing ethylene from the facility’s second steam cracker, which reduces the size of molecules from oil and natural gas into smaller ones. In the next few weeks, the petrochemical complex is expected to increase production at its three polyethylene plants, two polypropylene plants and other facilities. “This expansion gives ExxonMobil unparalleled feedstock flexibility in the industry and positions the Singapore petrochemical complex well to serve growth markets from China to the Indian sub-continent and beyond,” said Matthew Aguiar, chairman and managing director, ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd., commenting in a news release. “We are committed to meeting the regional demand for petrochemical products and to contributing to Singapore’s growth,” Aguiar said. With the steam cracker commissioned, the company is focused on ensuring safe and reliable plant operation, according to Georges Grosliere, venture executive and manufacturing director of the Singapore plant. “The scale and complexity of this expansion project, which doubled the steam-cracking capacity, demanded a strong focus on safety, operational integrity and discipline,” Grosliere said. ExxonMobil has operated in Singapore for 120 years and is one of the country’s largest foreign manufacturing investors. It has manufacturing, technology, and marketing operations worldwide. More information is available at www.exxonmobilchemical.com.