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Exxon Mobil starts up $2 billion expansion of Baytown chemical facility


By Naomi Klinge – Reporter, Houston Business Journal
Sep 19, 2023

Spring-based Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM) has started up a $2 billion expansion of its Baytown manufacturing facility with two new chemical production units and the company's entrance into a new chemical market.

One of the units will produce 350,000 tonnes per year of linear alpha olefins, branded as Elevexx products, marking Exxon’s entry into the market. These products are used for plastic packaging, high-performing engine and industrial oils, and other applications in cleaning and pipelines.

The second unit will produce 400,000 tonnes per year of performance polymers, branded as Vistamaxx and Exact polymer modifiers, which enhance the performance of a range of chemical products. These products are used in automotive parts, construction materials, personal care products and various packaging applications.

“With startup of these two new lines, ExxonMobil is delivering high-value materials for a variety of products that society depends on every day,” Karen McKee, president of ExxonMobil Product Solutions, said in a press release.

The project has been in the works since at least 2018. It started construction in 2021 after reaching a final investment decision in 2019.

While the expansion was under construction, the project supported more than 3,500 jobs, and it will directly employ 200 more people, Exxon said.