ExxonMobil to build Singapore synthetic lube plant

ExxonMobil is expanding its operations in Jurong to produce synthetic lubricants, including Mobil 1, the company’s flagship synthetic engine oil, officials announced on Tuesday. 

The expansion will further strengthen the company’s manufacturing capabilities and ability to meet the growing demand for ExxonMobil synthetic products in the Asia-Pacific region.

When completed in the second half of 2017, the facility will be the only plant in the Asia-Pacific region producing Mobil 1, the world’s leading synthetic motor oil. The facility will be one of five locations where Mobil 1 is produced.

“Mobil 1 is ExxonMobil’s most advanced synthetic engine oil,” said Bennett Hansen, the Asia-Pacific lubricant sales director at ExxonMobil. “Adding Singapore to our network of Mobil 1 manufacturing facilities will ensure customers’ needs are met well into the future. The new Singapore facility will employ innovative manufacturing technologies, demonstrating the company’s commitment to bringing premium products and technology to the market.”

The lubricant plant, strategically located next to ExxonMobil’s manufacturing site in Jurong, adds to the company’s increasing lubricants and specialties production capabilities in Singapore. 

The company, which has operated in Singapore for more than a century, has continued to grow its integrated refining and petrochemicals manufacturing site. The new production facility is in addition to the company’s recently -nnounced grease manufacturing investment.

“ExxonMobil’s new synthetic lubricants plant will create yet another competitive advantage for the company and it will complement the existing lubricant additives industry here,” said Damian Chan, the Singapore Economic Development Board’s executive director for energy and chemicals. “This investment reflects the industry’s push toward higher value-added manufacturing operations to meet growing middle-class demand for more sophisticated products in Asia.”

Gan Seow Kee, ExxonMobil's Asia-Pacific chairman and managing director, said the decision illustrates ExxonMobil’s continued confidence in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific economy.

“Both the synthetic lubricants and grease investments underscore the company's ongoing commitment to disciplined long-term investments that improve our competitiveness and bring value to the country.”

According to a recently completed analysis by Kline & Co., Asia-Pacific demand for passenger car synthetic engine oil is expected to grow more than 8% between 2014 and 2024. 

Globally, more and more vehicle manufacturers are choosing synthetic oil for their vehicles. Currently, more than 35 vehicle models including those produced by Porsche, Mercedes and General Motors roll off the factory line featuring Mobil 1.