- Inauguration of state-of-the-art Manufacturing Quality Control lab
- Linked directly to Keltan EPDM plant for consistently high quality
- Marking 50 years of Keltan
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ARLANXEO, a global leader in synthetic elastomers, has opened a state-of-the-art Manufacturing Quality Control Laboratory at the Chemelot site in Geleen, The Netherlands. The new 250 m2 facility is located beside the ARLANXEO Keltan EPDM plant. It is directly connected to the control room, which makes it possible to implement changes driven by test results immediately in the plant’s operations.

Laboratory staff will carry out a full range of tests on the Keltan EPDM product, including all industry standards such as Mooney and gel tests. Until now, these production quality tests have been carried out by external resources. The ARLANXEO Quality Laboratory will operate continuously on a 24/7 basis, to ensure the consistent high quality of the production plant’s output.

By moving to internal tests at the new Q-Laboratory, ARLANXEO is strengthening the competitive position of its global EPDM business in the ongoing challenging market environment, while at the same time optimizing its global footprint. The opening of the new Q-Laboratory comes as ARLANXEO marks the 50th anniversary of the introduction of Keltan EPDM. This well-established brand is best known for its premium quality and best service, and linked to global partnership and sustainable innovation. Keltan has a global footprint with plants in every strategic region with the ability to serve customers with premium products locally.

Opening the new Q-Laboratory, Christian Widdershoven, Head of Keltan® Elastomers and Managing Director ARLANXEO Netherlands B.V. said: “This year, Keltan EPDM is marking its 50th anniversary. We are proud of the product’s unrivalled track record and globally recognised high quality standards, established here in Geleen.

Since our customers rely on the quality and consistency of our products, manufacturing quality control tests have always been part of the primary process. The opening of this new facility underlines the importance we place on ongoing quality and demonstrates our commitment to this product site. Moreover, it highlights our belief in the future of Keltan, as we take quality control to the next level.”

Christian Widdershoven concluded: “We are preparing for the future by developing a more sustainable EPDM production technology. Key examples include the use of Keltan ACE™ catalyst technology, and the recent introduction of Keltan® Eco EPDM grades, the world’s first EPDM rubber based on bio-ethylene.”

About Keltan

Keltan® EPDM elastomers are characterized by superior resistance against water, ozone, UV and weathering; good dynamic properties over a wide temperature range, as well as a high level of heat resistance; a high level of flexibility and durability; and excellent electrical properties.

These make Keltan® EPDM suitable for many applications in industries spanning automotive, building & construction, plastics modification, consumer goods, cable & wire, and tubes. Keltan® EPDM has good processing and handling properties, and complies with global safety, health and environmental regulations.

Keltan is a product of the business unit High Performance Elastomers.

About High Performance Elastomers

High Performance Elastomers (HPE), a business unit of the ARLANXEO group, offers its customers a broad portfolio of technical elastomers. As one of the leading suppliers of synthetic elastomers to the rubber-processing industry, HPE markets materials which have a wide range of industrial applications. For example, they are used as modifiers for plastic and adhesive raw materials, in gas and oil exploration and production, and in functional components for the automotive and cable industries.

About ARLANXEO

ARLANXEO is a world-leading synthetic rubber company with sales of around EUR 2.8 billion in 2015, about 3,800 employees and a presence at 20 production sites in nine countries. The company’s core business is the development, manufacturing and marketing of high-performance rubber for use in, for example, the automotive and tire industries, the construction industry, and the oil and gas industries. ARLANXEO was established in April 2016 as a joint venture of LANXESS and Saudi Aramco.