Global synthetic rubber manufacturer with deep roots in Sarnia has expanded its international operations with the opening of a major new production facility in China.
Earlier this month, ARLANXEO inaugurated a new hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) plant in Changzhou, strengthening its manufacturing presence in the Asia-Pacific region and responding to growing demand for advanced rubber materials.
The facility produces Therban® HNBR, a high-performance elastomer used in demanding applications such as automotive components, oil and gas systems, industrial equipment, aerospace technologies, and next-generation batteries. These materials are designed to perform reliably under extreme heat, pressure, and chemical exposure.
Company executives, shareholders, customers, and local officials attended the opening ceremony on February 4. Among those present was Dr. Faisal Mohammed Al Faqeer, senior vice-president at Saudi Aramco, which owns ARLANXEO. He said the investment reflects confidence in China’s manufacturing and innovation capacity and aligns with Aramco’s broader strategy to expand its downstream and chemicals portfolio.
ARLANXEO chief executive officer Stephan van Santbrink described the plant as an important milestone for the company’s long-term presence in China. In a statement, he said the facility strengthens local production and research and development capacity and helps reinforce the company’s global supply network.
The Changzhou plant has a design capacity of 5,000 tonnes per year. Its first phase, producing 2,500 tonnes annually, began operations in October 2025. According to the company, the site incorporates advanced finishing and energy recovery systems that improve efficiency and product consistency. A thermal oxidation system is expected to reduce carbon emissions from key processes by about 80 per cent compared with conventional methods.
The facility also operates under a closed-loop design that allows for energy recovery and minimizes wastewater discharge. ARLANXEO says this approach is intended to lower overall greenhouse gas emissions and support its global sustainability standards.
Construction and commissioning were completed in just over a year, with more than 1.1 million work hours recorded without any lost-time or reportable safety incidents.
The new plant is located within ARLANXEO’s existing Changzhou complex, alongside its EPDM rubber plant and Regional Technology Centre. The co-location of research, development, and production is intended to support faster product development and closer collaboration with customers.
ARLANXEO first entered the Chinese market in 2016 and now employs about 400 people in the country. In addition to its Changzhou operations, the company has facilities in Nantong and a sales and administrative office in Shanghai. It also partners in a joint venture with TSRC Corporation in Nantong.
The expanded footprint is expected to support customers in sectors tied to new energy and transportation technologies, including electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure. By producing HNBR in China, the company aims to shorten supply chains and improve delivery reliability across the Asia-Pacific region.
While the new plant highlights ARLANXEO’s growing presence in Asia, the company continues to maintain a significant base in Canada.
In Sarnia, ARLANXEO operates its Canadian manufacturing site on Vidal Street South. Established in 1942, the facility has been a long-standing part of the region’s industrial landscape and remains a major employer.
The Sarnia site employs approximately 350 full-time workers, with an additional 150 to 200 contractors typically working on site. It produces synthetic rubber products used in automotive, industrial, and energy-related applications.
Company officials have previously emphasized that international investments form part of a broader global strategy rather than a shift away from existing operations. The integrated network linking North America, Europe, and Asia allows facilities such as Sarnia’s to remain part of a coordinated supply system serving customers worldwide.
ARLANXEO operates more than 10 production sites in eight countries and is a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco. Its focus remains on producing synthetic rubber for industrial and commercial markets.
The opening of the Changzhou HNBR plant reflects a broader shift toward regional manufacturing hubs designed to serve local markets while remaining connected to global supply chains. For Sarnia, that international network continues to link the city’s long-established rubber plant to overseas operations and customers.
