To expand its global footprint in the automotive market and become more competitive in India’s growing market, LyondellBasell will acquire PP compounds manufacturer SJS Plastiblends (SJS), based at Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The transaction is expected to close in late 2015.

Since 2009, the Rotterdam-headquartered chemical producer managed from the US state of Texas, has supplied the Indian market through imports and tolling arrangements.

SJS was established in 1996 to manufacture products that improve the performance and esthetics of plastics used in automotive applications. The company has around 60 employees and one manufacturing site with annual production capacity of approximately 12,000 t/y of PP compounds.

Globally, India represents the fourth largest growth market for automobiles, with an estimated 3 million new vehicles produced annually. Demand is expected to continue growing by 6-8% annually through 2021.