In the coming weeks, the capacity expansion program for chlorotoluenes, cresols and their derivatives that Lanxess announced in late October 2008 will reach completion, the company has reported. The specialty chemicals company said it will then have up to 60% higher capacities for these important basic chemicals for the global market. In total, the Basic Chemicals business unit (BAC) will have invested around €35 million in this network of facilities in Leverkusen.

"Despite the economic downturn, we've continued to move forward with the project because a major percentage of this expansion in volume is supported by contractual agreements," says Dr. Hans-Georg Schmitt, head of BAC.

The expansion program, which is nearing completion, also includes plans to increase the manufacture of menthol. In collaboration with Symrise, a project has been launched to significantly extend menthol capacities. Dr. Norbert Richter, senior vice president of the Aroma Molecules Business Unit of Symrise, a fragrance and flavoring manufacturer, welcomes the availability of higher capacities at Lanxess for manufacturing this precursor: "Symrise produces menthol using raw materials from Lanxess. Reliable supply is of critical importance to us, because menthol is a key component in many aromas for the oral hygiene and chewing gum segments. It further is used in a variety of pharmaceutical products."