(Styron) -- Styron will expand its SSBR (Solution Styrene Butadiene Rubber) capacity with a new production line at Styron's production facility in Schkopau, Germany. The additional capacity of 50,000 metric tons will allow Styron to help customers around the world meet the increasing demand for high performance tires.
Solution Styrene Butadiene Rubber is a synthetic rubber used in a wide variety of applications, including the production of tires. The major trend in tires is towards low rolling resistance, which significantly contributes to improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions.
SSBR in high performance tires allows for an optimum performance balance of improved wet grip, high abrasion resistance, low road noise, light weight and low rolling resistance, resulting in better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.
The construction of the new production line will start with the groundbreaking in May 2011. The new train will be built alongside existing trains and will focus on SSBR production, with the capability to produce all existing clear and oil extended Styron grades. Production is expected to start in Q4 2012. The new production line will supply customers around the world.