SIBUR chooses a licensor of its maleic anhydride production in Tobolsk

Moscow, 12 October 2016.SIBUR has signed an agreement with Conser, an Italian engineering company, to acquire a licence for maleic anhydride (MAN) production technology for its Tobolsk facility. The signing ceremony was attended by Vladimir Razumov, Deputy Chairman of SIBUR's Management Board, Pavel Lyakhovich, Managing Director, Head of SIBUR’s Plastics, Elastomers and Organic Synthesis Products Division, Flavio Simola, CEO-Managing Director of Conser, and other top managers.

Maleic anhydride is used in the construction, agriculture, automotive, paint and varnish, furniture, pharmaceutical and other industries. It serves as feedstock for films, synthetic fibres, pharmaceuticals, detergents, fuel components and oils. The use of MAN allows achieve high strength of the material as well as its resistance to moisture, extreme temperature and mechanical stress.

Russia currently does not produce maleic anhydride, with the domestic consumption of 4.5 ktpa fully covered by imports. The estimated output of the new Tobolsk facility will be 45 ktpa. Production of a high-margin product using own feedstock (butane) will enable SIBUR to improve the hydrocarbon processing rate in Russia, fully substitute MAN imports, and export it to Europe and the Middle East. In addition, a state-of-the-art Russian MAN production facility will provide new development opportunities for many domestic industries.

Conser, being the owner of a cutting-edge MAN production technology, was chosen as the licensor for the project. SIBUR has also engaged NIPIgaspererabotka, a leading Russian centre for facility design, supply, logistics and construction.

“SIBUR works continuously to improve and expand its production capacities in order to fully meet the demand for the most desirable petrochemical products and generate growth momentum for the key segments of the Russian economy. When choosing a licensor, we primarily looked at the technology's track record of success and the high quality of the end product,” said Vladimir Razumov.

“Conser offers a wide range of technologies and provides engineering services for major companies in over 45 counties. We are happy to partner with the leader of the Russian petrochemical industry and are looking forward to a strong and lasting business relationship,” commented Flavio Simola.