Construction of ExxonMobil’s new linear alpha olefins (LAO) plant at its Baytown, TX, petrochemical complex is progressing, with commercial start up expected by mid-2023, said the energy giant in a press released distributed today. When it is fully operational, the facility will have the capacity to produce approximately 350,000 metric tons of LAO annually.

ExxonMobil said it will manufacture 10 high-purity LAO products at the site, which will be marketed under the Elevexx brand name. LAO molecules are used in a range of applications, including plastic packaging, high-performance 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. “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’s Baytown facility is the largest integrated petrochemical complex in the United States and is one of the most technologically advanced refining and petrochemical complexes in the world, said the company. Founded in 1919, the complex is located on approximately 3,400 acres along the Houston Ship Channel, about 25 miles east of Houston. The facility includes a refinery, chemical plant, olefins plant, plastics plant, and technology center.