Exxon Mobil said Sept. 19 it has begun production at two new chemical units at its Baytown, Texas, manufacturing facility. The $2 billion expansion is part of the company’s long-term growth plans for its U.S. Gulf Coast refining and chemical facilities.
The new performance polymers line will produce 400,000 metric tons per year of Vistamaxx and Exact-branded polymer modifiers, which is designed to enhance the performance of a broad range of chemical products used to make automotive parts, construction materials, hygiene and personal care products and various packaging applications. Vistamaxx is designed to increase the durability of consumer products like reusable containers to extend their useful life while also allowing for higher recycled content.
The new linear alpha olefins unit marks Exxon’s entry into the market. The unit will produce 350,000 tons per year of Elevexx-branded products. Linear alpha olefins are used in plastic packaging, high-performing engine and industrial oils and other applications. They’re also building blocks for surfactants, which reduce surface tension for cleaning and industrial uses, and drag reducing agents, which allow crude to flow through pipelines more efficiently.
