Indonesian media has reported that PT Chandra Asri Petrochemical Tbk (TPIA) is partnering with French tyre-maker Michelin to build a solution styrene butadine rubber (SSBR) factory for vehicle tyre manufacturers. Through the joint venture company PT Synthetic Rubber Indonesia (SRI) is expected to lift the added value of mixed C4 products into butadine.
Corporate Secretary of PT Chandra Asri Petrochemical Tbk, Suryandi said the plant construction is almost completed and is expected to operate in the first quarter of 2018.
Harry Tamin, Investor Relations of TPIA said within the first year the product will be absorbed by Michelin. “And the focus of TPIA is how to make its butadiene production can be absorbed and has more value,” he said.
According to him, Chandra Asri is a minority shareholder compared to Michelin by 55%. “For us the important thing is butadiene can be absorbed,” he said.