Afton to add GPA blending capabilities in Singapore

Lubricant/fuel additive maker Afton Chemical Corporation, part of the NewMarket Corporation, is investing in Gasoline Performance Additives (GPA) blending capabilities at its Singapore Chemical additive manufacturing facility. The new blending unit will be operational by the fourth quarter of 2021. This investment complements the blending and terminal operations in the Americas and Europe.

The investment is part of Afton’s “Made In” strategy that focuses on globally lean supply chain solutions that enable quicker support and more effective supply to its customers in Asia. It will also provide the additional infrastructure required to support the company’s long-term global growth plans.

The demand for GPA in Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4% through 2024. “The additional GPA blending capacity in Singapore will help satisfy the increase in demand driven by the expected growth in China and other parts of Asia,” said Sean Spencer, Vice President and Managing Director of Afton Chemical Asia.

Afton has invested approximately S$400 million in the Singapore facility. The decision to continue Phase 3 investment is due to the integrated petrochemical hub in Singapore and trade connectivity to all parts of Asia and the Middle East. The Singapore government and Economic Development Board has been providing strong support to Afton from the start of its “Made In” investment in the region.

The new unit will help Afton by:

– Developing cost-effective and customised solutions for the region that will allow our customers a competitive edge in their markets

– Strengthening its ability to serve its customers worldwide and support their future growth

– Connecting its capacities globally to support regional and global business continuity, providing security of supply and shorter lead-times

Afton says its GPA solutions help fuels burn cleaner and more efficiently, enabling engines to perform as designed during their equipment lifetime on fuel economy, power and acceleration.

In Asia Pacific, Afton has established two fuel and lubricant additive Technology Centres in Suzhou, China, and Tsukuba, Japan, to provide increased customer support to the fast-growing GPA business in Asia Pacific.

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