ExxonMobil announces expansion of Group II base oil slate
ExxonMobil announced the expansion of its global slate of EHCTM base stocks with the introduction of EHCTM 120, a heavy neutral Group II base stock. EHC 120 will soon be available in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, for distribution in Europe, Africa and the Middle East (EAME), and in Baytown, Texas, U.S.A., for distribution in North and South America.
Designed to meet the evolving demands of the global base stocks industry, ExxonMobil’s EHC 120 expands the EHC Group II slate. By increasing formulation coverage capabilities, the EHC slate is optimal for the cost-effective blending of the majority of lubricant applications, including those within the automotive, heavy-duty and industrial sectors.
“As part of our ongoing efforts to grow our Group II manufacturing, we are excited to officially announce the addition of EHC 120 and offer our valued customers high-performance, heavy neutral and light neutral base stocks in three key continents,” said Ted Walko, global basestocks and specialties marketing manager. “Our EHC Group II base stocks provide a robust set of benefits, and, our newly expanded offering will help formulators further streamline their base stock operations. We’re confident our EHC Group II base stocks are well-positioned to serve as the products of choice for lubricant formulators challenged to meet a wide range of stringent technical requirements, with a single base stock slate.”
ExxonMobil’s EHC slate includes EHC 110, a heavy neutral base stock for the Asia-Pacific (AP) market, and three light-to-medium neutrals – EHC 45 and EHC 65, available in the Americas, and EHC 50, for AP and soon for EAME.
ExxonMobil will begin production at its Rotterdam, Netherlands, refinery, following the completion of its hydrocracker expansion project. Startup at Rotterdam is on track to begin in the fourth quarter 2018, with full commercialization of EHC 120 targeted for the first quarter 2019. The company also confirmed its capability to produce EHC 120 in Baytown, with availability to customers expected in 2019.
“With the addition of EHC 120 Group II base stocks in Europe, the ExxonMobil team is strengthening its efficient and secure global base stocks supply chain,” said Walko.
Once the Rotterdam project is complete, ExxonMobil will be the only global Group I and Group II base oil producer with significant manufacturing assets across three continents.
