Brazilian specialty chemical and surfactants company Oxiteno is building an alkoxylation unit in Pasadena, Texas, USA, to meet growing demand from the North American market.

The plant, which will have a capacity of 170,000 t/y, is expected to start operations in the fourth quarter of 2017. Oxiteno said the expansion is part of its ongoing strategy of investing in the Americas. Since 2003, the company has acquired plants in Mexico, Venezuela and Uruguay, and opened its first commercial office in the US.

CEO João Parolin said the company is also expanding its commercial and technical services as well as its local R&D structure. He added that distribution centers will be available to serve all US regions.