ExxonMobil announced that construction of the new linear alpha olefins (LAO) manufacturing unit at its Baytown, Texas, integrated petrochemical complex is progressing and targeting commercial start up in mid-2023. When fully operational, the new facility will have the capacity to produce approximately 350,000 metric tons of LAO annually.

ExxonMobil will manufacture 10 high-purity LAO products at the site and market the new offering under the ELEVEXX brand name. Extremely diverse, LAO molecules are used in a broad range of applications, including in plastic packaging, high-performing engine and industrial oils, and as building blocks for surfactants and other specialty chemicals.

“We intend to bring a collaborative approach to the market, combining our manufacturing and technical expertise with our customers’ formulation expertise to create a winning proposition,” said Mike Fanset, global marketing manager for LAO at ExxonMobil. “We are vertically integrated across a number of market applications which better positions us to bring end-to-end solutions to our customers.”

The new manufacturing facility will feature the latest quality control technology, including in-line analyzers engineered to assess product quality and purity in real time, helping to maximize finished LAO molecule consistency and supply reliability.

“ExxonMobil is widely recognized for manufacturing excellence and reliably delivering complex, high-performing chemicals. With the new LAO line, we are incorporating advanced analytic capabilities to assess and assure the highest standard of quality and purity control,” said Denise Burcham, venture manager for the new LAO manufacturing unit in Baytown at ExxonMobil.