Infineum to Expand Salicylate Detergent Production in Europe

Infineum, the global lubricant and fuel additives company, announced today 13th June, that it is to expand and improve its Salicylate detergent production capacity and process at its Berre plant in France. The new plant should come on stream in 4Q 2002.

Salicylate (Salicylic Acid) detergents are a key component in Infineum's marine and crankcase additive packages. They will also form part of Infineum's new "Complex Detergent" technology being primarily developed for the Marine market.

"The additives industry is currently facing a number of structural and economic challenges from high feedstock costs, overcapacity in some segments of the industry, and customer consolidation," commented Tony Gaskell, President and CEO of Infineum. " We are taking the necessary steps to tackle these challenges and to meet customer expectations. Therefore, it's essential to invest in a highly-focussed manner in new technologies which bring enhanced value to selected business segments."

For more information, contact:

Malcolm Rose
Infineum UK
Tel: +44 (0)1235 549 509