Oxea announced last week that it has agreed to buy an ester plant in Amsterdam from ExxonMobil Chemical. The companies did not disclose the price of the purchase, which raises Oxeas profile in ester production.
Oxea, which is based in Oberhausen, Germany, said it bought the plant to extend its value chain and to broaden the range of applications that it serves. Oxea already makes the base materials used in ester production. The Amsterdam plant makes synthetic esters used in lubricants as well as flavors, fragrances, pharmaceuticals and high-performance plasticizers.
The products produced in Amsterdam will complement the existing Oxea product portfolio, said Miguel Mantas, a member of Oxeas executive board. Not only will we be able to offer new products. We will also achieve more flexibility that will result in higher security of supply for existing Oxea esters.
The sale is still subject to review by ExxonMobils Works Council.
ExxonMobil Chemical issued a statement saying that esters remain an important part of its synthetic chemicals business. The Houston-based company also produces esters at a plant in Edison, N.J. A spokesman said the company will remain one of the worlds largest producers of esters for lubricants even when the transaction is completed.
The Amsterdam plant employs 19 people. Oxea is a global supplier of solvents, polyols and oxo derivatives such as carboxylic acids, esters and amines. These products are used to make coatings, lubricants, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and other products.