Solvay to build Euro 40-million alkoxylation facility in Texas

Solvay is planning to build and operate a large-scale alkoxylation unit in Pasadena, Texas, at an integrated industrial facility of LyondellBasell's Equistar Chemicals affiliate, in order to serve a growing North American market. Equistar will supply the ethylene oxide raw material to the unit, in which Solvay will invest nearly Euro 40 million and is expected to be operational in 2015.
 
Alkoxylates are used as emulsifiers, detergents and wetting agents and are the chemical foundation for a wide range of Solvay Novecare specialty surfactants. The on-pipe unit will ensure greater security of alkoxylate supply for North American customers. Following completion, it will bring to eight Novecare's global alkoxylation plants.
 
"This is the latest in a series of strategic investments we have made to deploy capacity and product development assets to serve our customers in dynamic market segments. Spurred by a rebounding housing market and a dynamic manufacturing sector, the new facility will enable us to help our North America customers meet growing business opportunities in many markets," said Emmanuel Butstraen, President of Solvay Novecare.
 
This investment follows Solvay's announcement in April that it will build an on-pipe alkoxylation facility in Singapore. Thanks to its presence on LyondellBasell's site, Solvay can benefit from an existing, competitive industrial footprint and assets as well as access to road, rail and navigable shipping transport to key customers and suppliers.