LANXESS expands US rubber production capacity

New capacity in Goose Creek, South Carolina to support domestic demand for rubber processing promoters

Specialty chemicals company LANXESS is expanding production capabilities with the addition of rubber processing promoters at its Bushy Park facility in Goose Creek, South Carolina. The expansion project, currently underway, aims to meet increasing demand and improve supply reliability, with new production expected to come online in November 2025.

This marks the first time LANXESS will produce processing promoters in the United States. Currently manufactured in Germany and China, these process additives were previously imported for US customers. The expansion supports growing domestic demand and enhances supply security for customers in key sectors such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, and industrial rubber products.

When fully complete, LANXESS will be able to domestically produce its most popular processing promoters – Aflux 37, Aflux 42, Aktiplast PP – and also new developments such as Aktiplast 44, all of which are specially designed for various types of rubber compounds.

"With this expansion, we’re helping our U.S. customers reduce transportation costs, improve delivery time and reliability, as well as enhance operational flexibility," said Roy Varghese, Head of the LANXESS Rhein Chemie business unit for the Americas region. "It reflects our commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality solutions tailored to the needs of the U.S. market and is a key part of our strategy to build a resilient, customer-focused supply chain and ensure long-term growth in North America."

The Bushy Park facility serves as the US manufacturing hub for the Rhein Chemie Business Unit, producing a variety of rubber additives including accelerators, peptizers, and now the additional processing promoters portfolio.