Solvay to Build Large-Scale Alkoxylatio Plant at LyondellBasell's Equistar Chemicals Affiliate Facility

Solvay announces today that it will build and operate a large-scale alkoxylation unit in Pasadena, Texas, at an integrated industrial facility of LyondellBasell's Equistar Chemicals affiliate, in order to serve a growing North American market. Equistar will supply the ethylene oxide raw material to the unit, in which Solvay will invest nearly € 40 million and is expected to be operational in 2015. Alkoxylates are used as emulsifiers, detergents and wetting agents and are the chemical foundation for a wide range of Solvay Novecare specialty surfactants. The on-pipe unit will ensure greater security of alkoxylate supply for North American customers. Following completion, it will bring to eight Novecare's global alkoxylation plants. "This is the latest in a series of strategic investments we have made to deploy capacity and product development assets to serve our customers in dynamic market segments," said Emmanuel Butstraen, President of Solvay Novecare. "Spurred by a rebounding housing market and a dynamic manufacturing sector, the new facility will enable us to help our North America customers meet growing business opportunities in many markets." This investment follows Solvay's announcement in April that it will build an on-pipe alkoxylation facility in