United States. Oxea has begun construction of a new propanol unit on a global scale at its production headquarters in Bay City, Texas. The new unit "Propanol 2" is scheduled to become operational in 2018.
Once commissioned, it will add a capacity of 100,000 mt/year of propanol and 40,000 mt/year of propionaldehyde. Propanol is used for the manufacture of products that mainly end in printing inks, coatings, adhesives and pharmaceutical applications. Propionaldehyde finds uses in pharmaceutical applications and the production of food preservatives, plasticizers, plastics and rubber chemicals.
"This project reflects our long-term selective growth strategy. It helps us strengthen our position as a global producer of propanol. Propanol 2 will provide Oxea with expansion opportunities in areas of profitable growth," said Purnendu Rai, Executive Vice President, Global Sales and Oxo-Intermediaries.
Because Oxea is finalizing the detailed engineering phase, construction of the new plant has begun. Site preparation has been completed, including the demolition of existing foundations of previously removed equipment, and the construction of temporary project facilities. Current activities are focused on initiating the execution of civil construction and completing the bidding processes for the rest of the construction work, mainly mechanical, instrumentation and electrical.
