Oxiteno commences alkoxylation plant in Texas

Oxiteno has commenced operations at its new 170,000t/yr manufacturing plant in Pasadena, Texas.

Oxiteno has invested around US$200M over six years, including site acquisition, plant construction and R&D facilities, while creating more than 120 jobs.

The new unit includes world class alkoxylation technology to ensure safety and environmental performance.

It will serve as reliable domestic source of products for Oxiteno’s regional and global customers.

The strategic USA Gulf location allows easy access to key raw materials, logistics, and a specialised workforce.

The company will produce a wide range of nonionic surfactants and specialty alkoxylates serving key markets, such as paints & coatings, agrochemicals, home care, industrial & institutional cleaning, personal care and oilfield chemicals.

"The start-up of our new alkoxylation plant in Texas is a key accomplishment in our journey to become a leading supplier of surfactants and speciality alkoxylates to US and global customers,” said Timothy Madden, Chief Operating Officer of Oxiteno in the USA.

"Our focus and expertise in this technology and broad portfolio of products and applications will fortify our ability to continue delivering value to our customers through being an innovative and agile solutions provider.”

"The investments in the US reflect Oxiteno’s long-term commitment to serving the domestic market at a different level and scale, complementing our existing production base in other important markets, such as Mexico and Brazil,” added João Benjamin Parolin, Chief Executive Officer of Oxiteno.

Over the last few years, Oxiteno has been pre-marketing its products in the USA and has signed important agreements with different customers for the Pasadena site.

In 2016, Oxiteno opened a technology centre co-located at the University of Southern Mississippi to support the development of new products and react faster to market and customer requests.