ExxonMobil increases U.S. production of Group II/II+ Base Stocks with completion of Baytown, Texas refinery expansion

U.S.-based ExxonMobil is increasing production of its Group II and Group II+ EHC™ base stocks following the completion of a major expansion at its Baytown, Texas refinery. In addition to expanding its production of Group II+ EHC 45, ExxonMobil is also introducing a new Group II EHC 65 base stock designed for blending heavy-duty engine oils.

“The Baytown refinery expansion project positions ExxonMobil to continue to meet customer requirements for high quality Group II and Group II+ base stocks both today and into the future,” said George W. Arndt, Jr., general manager of Global Basestocks & Specialties for ExxonMobil Fuels & Lubricants.

“This important investment, which was originally announced in 2013, reflects our continued commitment to the Baytown community and marks another significant milestone at our world-class facility” said Matt Crocker, manager of ExxonMobil’s Baytown Refinery.  “Investing in this technology reinforces our competitive position in the global environment.”

ExxonMobil’s Group II/II+ EHC products have been designed with the low-temperature properties, volatility and viscosities needed to cover a wide range of engine oils. EHC 45 is designed for blending 5W and heavier passenger car motor oils. EHC 65 is ideal for heavy-duty engine oils and optimizes 15W-40 blending by minimizing the need for additional higher-viscosity components while maintaining low volatility. Together, they enable important emerging grades such as heavy-duty 10W-30.

The products produced at Baytown can help blenders achieve greater formulation flexibility, simplified global qualification testing and enhanced product integrity. In addition, the products are designed to meet evolving industry requirements and incorporate ExxonMobil’s proprietary MSDW™ and MAXSAT™ catalyst and process technologies.

“We have enhanced the formulation of our Group II/II+ base stocks to significantly improve their low temperature performance at a given viscosity,” said David Parsons, Americas basestocks sales manager for ExxonMobil.  “In addition, the expansion of our Group II+ EHC 45 base stock capacity will allow blenders to produce 5W passenger car motor oils without having to use a more expensive Group III base stock.”

The completion of the expansion of the Baytown refinery is in addition to the company’s previously announced plans to expand its Group II EHC base stock capacity at its Singapore refinery.  That expansion will help meet the need for additional base stocks capacity to the Asia-Pacific region.