ExxonMobil Affiliate to Expand Halobutyl Rubber Capacity at JBC Kashima Plant

• Capacity to increase to 80,000 tons per year
• Second Kashima expansion in five years

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ExxonMobil Yugen Kaisha (EMYK) announced today that Japan Butyl Co. Ltd. (JBC) will expand the capacity of its halobutyl rubber manufacturing plant at Kashima to 80,000 tons per year. The expansion is planned to be completed in 2012.

“Demand for halobutyl rubber is expected to grow at about six percent per year, mainly in the Asia Pacific region”

“Demand for halobutyl rubber is expected to grow at about six percent per year, mainly in the Asia Pacific region,” said John Lyon, vice president, butyl polymers, ExxonMobil Chemical Company. “The expansion by our affiliate’s joint venture at Kashima will add 10,000 tons per year of capacity in the region. This aligns with ExxonMobil Chemical’s long-term commitment to meet industry demand.”

This is the second capacity expansion in five years at the Kashima halobutyl rubber plant.

The JBC butyl polymers manufacturing plant at Kawasaki also completed a major expansion in 2010 to bring its total capacity to 98,000 tons per year. That expansion incorporated ExxonMobil proprietary technology that enables significant energy savings.

Lyon adds, “Auto production is growing at a rapid pace in Asia, especially in China. This has led to increased tire sales for new cars and trucks as well as the sale of replacement tires as these vehicles age. Halobutyl rubber holds air in tubeless radial tires for both passenger cars and heavy duty trucks.”

ExxonMobil Chemical has more than doubled its global halobutyl rubber capacity since 1995. The company is a world leader in synthetic rubber technology, products and customer support.

About Japan Butyl Co., Ltd.

Japan Butyl Co., Ltd., a butyl rubber manufacturing company, is a joint venture of ExxonMobil Yugen Kaisha and JSR Corporation. The company serves as a supply base for butyl rubber primarily in Asia. ExxonMobil Yugen Kaisha holds a 50 percent stake in Japan Butyl Co., Ltd. http://www.j-butyl.jp/

About the ExxonMobil Japan Group

The ExxonMobil Japan Group comprises ExxonMobil Yugen Kaisha and its related companies and subsidiaries including TonenGeneral Sekiyu K.K. and Tonen Chemical Corp., and is a major manufacturer and marketer in Japan of petroleum fuels, lubricants and petrochemicals. Elements of the Group began operations in Japan in 1893. ExxonMobil Yugen Kaisha is a 100% indirect subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation of the United States. TonenGeneral Sekiyu K.K., an affiliate of ExxonMobil Yugen Kaisha, which holds 50.02 percent of its shares, is listed on the 1st Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. For more information, see our web sites at www.exxonmobil.jp/ , www.tonengeneral.co.jp

About ExxonMobil Chemical

ExxonMobil Chemical is one of the world’s premier petrochemical companies with manufacturing, technology, and marketing operations around the world. The company delivers a broad portfolio of products and solutions efficiently and responsibly, with a commitment to create outstanding customer and shareholder value. ExxonMobil Chemical endorses the principles of sustainable development, including the need to balance economic growth, social development and environmental considerations. To learn more, visit www.exxonmobilchemical.com.

About ExxonMobil Butyl Polymers

ExxonMobil Chemical Butyl Polymers business is the world’s leader in butyl technology, services and products, with more than 65 years of butyl rubber experience. To find out more about ExxonMobil Chemical Butyl Polymers, visit www.butylrubber.com.

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