The Lubrizol Corp. has broken ground on a major surfactant plant expansion in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Strategically located in Belford Roxo, the new unit is designed to meet the growing demand for personal and home care products in the Brazilian market.
Hosting the groundbreaking ceremony was Gilson Santos, Lubrizol's vice president for Latin America. During his opening speech, Santos explained that the new surfactant unit plays a crucial role in achieving Lubrizol's long-term strategy for growth in Brazil, which is one of the largest and fastest growing markets for personal care and home care products in the world.
"We are expanding our local operations with a larger portfolio of products," said Rick Tolin, vice president and general manager, Lubrizol Personal and Home Care. "The surfactants produced at this facility will include a significant number of naturally derived ingredients to ensure that we are fully aligned with the growth strategy of our targeted customers in Brazil."
The estimated investment in the new plant totals more than US $20 million and will feature some of the latest equipment in the industry.
