Lubrizol Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Celebrate TPU Expansion in Avon Lake

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Lubrizol Corporation announces it held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 24, 2018, celebrating the successful start-up of its latest TPU capacity expansion in Avon Lake, Ohio. The expansion is part of Lubrizol's strategic global capacity expansion program supporting the company's Engineered Polymers business and well-known product lines including Estane® thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and others. 

• Nearly $30 million investment at Avon Lake site, expected to add 15 local jobs
• Part of Lubrizol's strategic investment in Engineered Polymers, totaling nearly $80 million across the globe
• New state-of-the-art manufacturing assets are custom designed, based on more than 60 years of deep experience in TPU synthesis, process engineering and applications
• Engineered Polymers' new branding, "Advancing Materials. Elevating Performance." premiered at the event

Lubrizol's expansion efforts are a direct result of the company anticipating demand for specialty polymers and compounds to grow at double digit rates. Nathan Deutsch, plant manager for the Avon Lake TPU production facility, notes that the expansion adds significant new capacity. The project was completed on time, on budget and commissioned safely and successfully - all in about 20 months, a remarkable accomplishment.

Bill Snyder, who sponsored the project as global operations director for Lubrizol Engineered Polymers, comments, "I've seen a lot of projects in 30 years and this was, by far, the best, because of the combination of deep experience in process technology, engineering, manufacturing know-how, applications expertise, teamwork, focus and accountability. Today is a fitting celebration for success delivered, without compromise."

Jian-Wei Dong, general manager of Lubrizol Engineered Polymers, remarks, "Lubrizol has been recognized as a market leader since its invention of TPU for commercial use in 1959. Our staged investments, from acquisitions to continued expansion of this important manufacturing site, demonstrate our long-term commitment to innovation, the markets we serve and supporting customer growth. The added capabilities ensure we deliver world class quality and with more sustainable manufacturing practices."

Mike Vaughn, vice president of operations, HSES and supply chain for The Lubrizol Corporation states, "These investments, the new capabilities, our continued focus on process automation and operational excellence ensure the integrity of our products and improve the safety, reliability and yield at our plant and, in turn, our contribution to the community. These are critical components to Lubrizol's core beliefs and philosophy."

Lubrizol has enjoyed excellent community relations with the City of Avon Lake, Lorain County, and the State of Ohio for many years. The ceremony was attended by local community dignitaries and state officials. In attendance were Avon Lake Mayor, Greg Zilka; Avon Lake Economic Development Director, Ted Esborn; Lorain County Commissioner (president), Ted Kalo; Lorain County Commissioner (vice president), Matt Lundy; Ohio State Senator, Gayle Manning; representatives from JobsOhio; and others, including employees, key contractors and the media.

The new branding for the Engineered Polymers business, "Advancing Materials, Elevating Performance" speaks directly to the intentions of the investment and start-up, which is delivering customer success in high value applications through Lubrizol's Estane® TPU and other portfolio products.

About The Lubrizol Corporation

The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a specialty chemical company whose science delivers sustainable solutions to advance mobility, improve wellbeing and enhance modern life. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol owns and operates more than 100 manufacturing facilities, sales and technical offices around the world and has more than 8,000 employees. For more information, visit www.Lubrizol.com.

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