On 12 September 2018, Versalis (Eni) has opened an EPDM rubber production plant in Ferrara, Italy, which will mainly supply the automotive industry. Over EUR 250 million were invested in the project, which involved constructing a new production line, and the revamping of the existing elastomer plant.
According to the company, the new plant will increase overall production capacity by around 50,000 t/y. It will also enable the company to update its elastomer product range and boost job numbers, with 45 new staff to be added to production and related services, plus a further 50 people to outsourced activities. Ferrara plays a key role in the company’s production system and strengthens its presence in the area, with 330 employees and an average of 180 contractors a day. Besides elastomers production, the complex also includes production facilities for low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and a major research centre.