INEOS Oxide plans expansion of Ethylene Oxide and Ethylene Oxide Derivatives capacity

31-Mar-11

INEOS Oxide has today confirmed that it is considering plans to expand its Ethylene Oxide (EO) and Ethylene Oxide Derivatives (EOD) capacity as part of its strategy to grow its global business over the next few years. As part of its growth strategy INEOS’ Oxide business is considering an investment in the US Gulf which would incorporate EO, Glycol and EOD's, building on its existing presence and experience in this market. “The timing is right for us to consider our options of an investment in EO and EOD,” said Hans Casier CEO INEOS Oxide. “The US is an obvious location for INEOS Oxide to consider its next expansion. It is a market we know well, where INEOS Group already has a well placed manufacturing presence, that is capable of taking full advantage of competitively priced feedstocks.” "It is early days yet but should we proceed it is expected that any unit would be at least 500kt of EO with appropriately sized Glycol and derivative units. We are considering all options that will build on our experience as the leading EO/EOD manufacturer in Europe to grow our company and serve our customers globally over the coming years." Various sites are currently under consideration in the Gulf Coast area as part of the company's growth strategy. Other locations globally are also being considered and confirmation of the location of the first investment is expected later this year. INEOS has also confirmed that the construction of its new 1 mln tpa Ethylene Terminal, at its Zwijndrecht facilities in Belgium is progressing well. Operation of the new deep-sea terminal, announced in July 2010, is expected to start in 2012, as planned.