BEIJING, MAY 8, 2009 -- ExxonMobil Chemical today broke ground on its technology center in Shanghai, China. The event marks the start of construction and represents an important milestone for ExxonMobil Chemical's continuing business growth in China.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on its site at Shanghai Zizhu Science-based Industrial Park, was attended by Liu Jinping, vice chairman, Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce; Steve Pryor, president, ExxonMobil Chemical Company; Bob Davis, vice president, Global Technology, ExxonMobil Chemical Company; and Paul Theys, chairman, ExxonMobil (China) Investment Co., Ltd.

"This new center in Shanghai is an important step towards supporting the tremendous growth we anticipate in sales of our premium products. It will expand our ability to deliver innovative solutions to our customers in the region," Pryor said.  "It also signifies our long-term commitment to China and the region."

At ExxonMobil Chemical, technology innovation is integrated into every aspect of the business from feedstock flexibility through low cost manufacturing processes to premium products. The company provides value to its customers by understanding their needs and meeting their expectations through innovative products and application support. The new center in Shanghai will provide product applications support and strengthen ExxonMobil’s ability to serve its customers in China and the region.

"Building on ExxonMobil's long history in China, we are very proud that ExxonMobil Chemical has selected China as the location for this new technology center," Theys said. "We would like to thank the Chinese government for the trust and confidence it has shown in helping to make this project possible. We are pleased to support its vision for multinational companies to invest and support technology development in China."

The new 27,000 square meter facility will be built and operated by ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Research & Development Company Limited. The initial investment in the technology center and related equipment is $70 million US dollars. The facility will house laboratories and product demonstration facilities, providing applications technical service and a range of application development capabilities for ExxonMobil’s polymer products and plasticizers. Initial employment will be approximately 200 people. The facility is expected to be operational in 2010.