With declining demand and profitability in North America’s butadiene elastomers, speciality polymers producer Lion Elastomers will cease rubber production at its Orange site in Texas, US, by the end of the year, affecting approximately 100 employees at a plant that has operated for more than six decades. The facility, which produces polybutadiene rubber, solution styrene-butadiene rubber and thermoplastic elastomers, was acquired from Firestone Polymers in 2019.
It has invested substantially over the past years to enhance technical capabilities and expand product offerings. However, the company determined that shuttering the operation was necessary for long-term growth and financial stability.
“Since acquiring the site in 2019, Lion has strived to be a good steward in every way for this plant and the community. Winding down rubber production is a decision not taken lightly,” said Bobby Rikhoff, vice president of manufacturing for Lion Elastomers., according to the news release.
The decision will impact about 100 employees at the Orange site, but that number does not include additional contractors. Rikhoff said the company examined multiple alternatives before reaching its final decision.
Lion Elastomers has two other facilities in operation, one in Port Neches and the other in Louisiana.