The Lubrizol Corp. (Wickliffe, Ohio; www.lubrizol.com) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the successful startup of its latest Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) capacity expansion in Avon Lake, Ohio. The expansion is part of Lubrizol’s strategic global capacity expansion program supporting the company’s Engineered Polymers business, totaling nearly $80 million, and well-known product lines including Estane thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and others. This project represents a nearly $30-million investment at Avon Lake site, expected to add 15 local jobs
Lubrizol’s expansion efforts are a direct result of the company anticipating demand for specialty polymers and compounds to grow at double digit rates. Nathan Deutsch, plant manager for the Avon Lake TPU production facility, notes that the expansion adds significant new capacity. The project was completed on time, on budget and commissioned safely and successfully – all in about 20 months, a remarkable accomplishment.
Bill Snyder, who sponsored the project as global operations director for Lubrizol Engineered Polymers, comments, “I’ve seen a lot of projects in 30 years and this was, by far, the best, because of the combination of deep experience in process technology, engineering, manufacturing know-how, applications expertise, teamwork, focus and accountability. Today is a fitting celebration for success delivered, without compromise.”
Jian-Wei Dong, general manager of Lubrizol Engineered Polymers, remarks, “Lubrizol has been recognized as a market leader since its invention of TPU for commercial use in 1959. Our staged investments, from acquisitions to continued expansion of this important manufacturing site, demonstrate our long-term commitment to innovation, the markets we serve and supporting customer growth. The added capabilities ensure we deliver world class quality and with more sustainable manufacturing practices.”
Mike Vaughn, vice president of operations, HSES and supply chain for The Lubrizol Corporation states, “These investments, the new capabilities, our continued focus on process automation and operational excellence ensure the integrity of our products and improve the safety, reliability and yield at our plant and, in turn, our contribution to the community. These are critical components to Lubrizol’s core beliefs and philosophy.”