HOUSTON, Dec. 27, 2012 – LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) helped the U.S. Northeast get the lights turned on in the aftermath of superstorm Sandy. More than 40,000 lbs. of compound provided by LyondellBasell to wire and cable producers helped utility providers have the power cables needed to get electrical service up and running again.
The superstorm devastated the area when it made landfall on Oct. 30, disrupting power to millions of homes and businesses in 15 states, and forcing a two-day closure of financial markets in New York. To get electricity back up as quickly as possible, utility providers needed new power cables and cable manufacturers needed plastic resin to produce new cable. LyondellBasell stepped forward to help make that happen.
“Our ability to meet the demands of this urgent situation shows our commitment to customer service and deliverability,” says Jim Krohn, Wire & Cable Marketing Manager for LyondellBasell. “The quick turnaround enabled cable producers to get the Northeast back on its feet as soon as possible.”
Meeting Supply Demand and Customer Expectations
Many power lines were destroyed during Sandy, and cable makers in the Northeast could not make enough cables to meet the high demand. To get the area powered up again, there was a tremendous need for power cable production in a short amount of time. LyondellBasell helped meet the call for new power cables within a week, with many of the production and shipment of these materials being turned around within a day.
On Nov. 5, one week after the storm devastated the region, LyondellBasell received an urgent request from one cable producer for 30,000 lbs. of Petrothene KR921717 resins, a high density polyethylene-based compound used as a low voltage power cable insulating jacket.
This high density polyethylene compound insulates and shields power cables designed for aerial installations where cables are often strung from poles along tree-lined streets in mature neighborhoods, also known as tree cables. The properties of this compound help keep the cables from deteriorating when the limbs and branches rub against them.
LyondellBasell immediately shipped 6,000 lbs. of material it had available in inventory and commissioned another 19,500 lbs. in a rush production. The replacement resins were promptly produced, shipping on Nov. 10, and arriving at the customer’s manufacturing facility in Canada on Nov. 12, one week after receipt of the urgent order.
“To meet this urgent demand, LyondellBasell reprioritized our production schedule to ensure the necessary materials are produced and delivered on time,” says Krohn. “We are honored to help and assist our customers get electricity up in the Northeast again.”
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LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) is one of the world’s largest plastics, chemical and refining companies and a member of the S&P 500 Index. LyondellBasell (www.lyondellbasell.com) manufactures products at 58 sites in 18 countries. LyondellBasell products and technologies are used to make items that improve the quality of life for people around the world including packaging, electronics, automotive parts, home furnishings, construction materials and biofuels.
SOURCE: LyondellBasell Industries
Media Contact: Bill Herdman, +1 713 309 4814 or bill.herdman@lyondellbasell.com