Sasol Wax, the leading producer and marketer of synthetic and petroleum-derived wax, announced that it is expanding hydro-treating capacity for paraffin waxes at its Hamburg plant in Germany. The project will increase paraffin wax capacity in Germany by 15 % and should be completed by mid 2009.

The expansion is part of a program to increase global capacity in line with projected growth in key markets. The company also plans to double the production capacity of synthetic wax at its Sasolburg plant in South Africa by 2013.

"It is our strategy to grow our existing broad product portfolio significantly and to focus on value added wax applications worldwide. These capacity expansions are the basis for our growth strategy and will allow us to serve the future needs of our customers," says Reiner Groh, group GM, Sasol Chemical Cluster.

Petroleum-derived paraffin and synthetic waxes are used amongst others, in emulsions, coatings, hot melt adhesives, inks and bitumen, in industries ranging from paper and packaging to construction, personal care, printing and tire production.

Sasol Wax is a 100% subsidiary of the South African company, Sasol Limited. It employs 1,100 people worldwide, with its head office in Hamburg, Germany. It has a number of manufacturing facilities in Europe, South Africa and in the USA. It has an annual consolidated turnover of EUR600 million and is the world's leading producer and marketer of synthetic and petroleum derived waxes.