April 1, 2013: Lanxess AG, the German manufacturer of speciality chemicals, will open its new Application and Development Center at the Hong Kong Science & Technologies Park on April 18. This development in Asia follows last year’s ground-breaking for a new neodymium-based performance butadiene rubber (Nd-PBR) plant in Singapore.

Lanxess is in the process of investing about Euro 200 million (Rs 1,408 crore) in a 140,000 tonnes per annum facility on Jurong Island, the largest of its kind globally, that will serve the market for eco-friendly tyres in Asia. Nd-PBR is used in the treads and sidewalls of ‘green’ tyres. It helps reduce the rolling resistance and increase the fuel efficiency of a tyre. The plant is expected to commence operations in the first half of 2015.

Meanwhile, Lanxess has announced its results for 2012. Group sales grew by four percent in 2012 to Euro 9,094 million (Rs 64,000 crore). Business development was driven notably by the focus on emerging markets, solid demand for agrochemicals, contributions from acquisitions and the price-before-volume strategy, the company said.

Lanxess is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of the high-tech plastics used in lightweight vehicle construction. Its High Performance Materials business unit has been developing innovative solutions aimed at lowering the weight of vehicles and subsequently fuel consumption without compromising on design and safety.