Afton Chemical to expand Singapore facility

Afton Chemical Corporation received approval from the NewMarket Corporation board to start construction of the second phase of its new chemical additive manufacturing facility on Jurong Island, Singapore. The first phase of the project (previously announced in July, 2012) is scheduled to be completed by year end 2015. In the second phase, additional component production units will be constructed with completion scheduled in 2017. The latest project will more than double Afton’s investment in Jurong Island for a total of approximately S$400 million.  

“Our Asia Pacific customers have unique sets of challenges that require unique solutions. This investment will allow us to fulfill our vision of making customized solutions for the region in the region,” according to Rob Shama, President, Afton Chemical. The additional capacity in combination with the new R&D center and expanding team makes it easier for Afton Chemical to deliver to its customers.  

Upon completion of this investment, Afton will own and operate regional manufacturing in Suzhou, China and Jurong Island, Singapore. In addition, Afton has technical centers in Tsukuba, Japan and Suzhou, China and commercial offices in Tokyo, Japan; Beijing, China; Guangzhou, China; Seoul, South Korea; Sydney, Australia; Bangkok, Thailand; and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Afton maintains its regional headquarters in Singapore.

After the completion of these two phases, the plant will have full capability to produce all of the engine oil additives the company needs for the APAC region and will be scalable to allow Afton to grow as demand warrants. Longer term, additional units, such as specialty dispersants, may be added to produce other petroleum additive products in line with market and its customer’s needs.