HOUSTON -- ExxonMobil Chemical has formed a new specialty compounds and composites business to focus on the development, production and marketing of engineered polyolefin compounds.

The portfolio includes a new line of ExxonMobil Performance Polyolefins for automotive applications. Products will range from soft and flexible compounds to reinforced composites. This is made possible by ExxonMobil's extensive slate of polypropylene, polyethylene, and elastomer base polymers that can be produced globally and tailored for specialty compounds.

“The creation of the new business is a significant step in ExxonMobil Chemical’s global specialty products strategy and reflects its commitment to provide high performance and cost-effective polyolefinic solutions,” said Jim McKinley, global specialty compounding manager, ExxonMobil Chemical Company. “A global team of application and development experts has been established to work with industry leaders to introduce products more quickly and effectively into new and existing applications.”

This announcement marks another milestone in ExxonMobil’s commitment to a global compounded products business. The company recently started up a specialty compounding center in Baton Rouge, LA, providing complementary capability in North America to that of its existing European facility in Lillebonne, France. In March 2007, ExxonMobil also announced the official opening of its Polymers Automotive Applications Center in Kawasaki, Japan.

“ExxonMobil Chemical is committed to ongoing investment in technology and leading-edge compounding facilities,” McKinley said. “We are excited about this opportunity to better serve our customers in established and high growth markets, such as India and China, with a unique portfolio of engineered thermoplastic products.”

For more information about ExxonMobil Chemical, go to: www.exxonmobilpp.com.