Lion Elastomers to buy Firestone SR plant in Texas

Orange, Texas — Lion Elastomers LLC has signed an agreement with Firestone Polymers to purchase Firestone's synthetic rubber facility in Orange for an undisclosed price.

With this sale, Firestone Polymers, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Corp., officially will exit the non-tire rubber business, according to a statement from Bridgestone Americas.

"Bridgestone considered the competitiveness of the market and we are confident this move will provide the best opportunity to deliver on its long-term growth potential," the company statement added.

The Orange plant manufactures polybutadiene and styrene-butadiene copolymers under the Stereon, Diene and Duradene brand names.

Lion Elastomers will retain those brand names, according to a company spokeswoman.

She declined to answer further questions, such as how much the acquisition will add to Lion Elastomers' work force and annual production capacity.

According to a Lion Elastomers news release, the products made at Orange are complementary to the company's current portfolio and will strengthen the company's ability to support the synthetic rubber industry.

"We have had a strong professional relationship with Bridgestone for decades, and we are looking forward to maintaining this relationship," said Jesse Zeringue, Lion Elastomers CEO and president.

The purchase, he added, will further diversify Lion’s business and add new product offerings to customers.

The sale is expected to become effective 30 June, subject to regulatory approval and other closing conditions, Bridgestone said.

After the sale is completed, Firestone Polymers will continue to operate its manufacturing facility in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and its Akron pilot plant, the company said.

The Orange purchase is Lion Elastomers' second strategic acquisition in the past two years, the company said.

In June 2017, Lion Copolymer Services, a sister company of Lion Elastomers, acquired assets of Baton Rouge, Lousiana-based East West Copolymer LLC.

Lion Elastomers manufactures EPDM and SBR at its facilities in Geismar, Louisiana, and Port Neches, Texas.