Shortly on the heels of a production capacity expansion, Oxea, the chemical manufacturer, has successfully implemented another production capability expansion for carboxylic acids. The recent expansion of the Marl, Germany-based carboxylic acid plant exceeds the targeted 20% capacity augmentation.
Oxea has four facilities worldwide that manufacture carboxylic acids. In addition, the company is in the process of setting up a new facility in Oberhausen, Germany by end of 2012. These strategic expansions will equip Oxea to meet rising global demand for carboxylic acid which finds application in the manufacture of lubricant esters, which are energy-efficient materials employed in eco-friendly refrigeration units like refrigerators and air conditioners.
Dr. Martina Flöel, who heads the production and technology at Oxea and also serves as spokesperson for the Oxea Executive Board, spoke about the expansion strategy, and stated that Oxea has firmly established the Six Sigma method in its corporate plan. Flöel further informed that upgrading of the first and second carboxylic plants will be completed ahead of the commissioning of the new plant in Oberhausen and that the investments facilitate speedy expansion to capitalize on the attractive oxo derivatives market.
Oxo derivatives and oxo intermediaries such as polyols, alcohols, specialty esters and carboxylic acids produced by Oxea have numerous applications in cosmetics, fragrances, plastics, pharmaceuticals, lubricants, coatings and printing inks. With 1,365 employees working across Americas, Europe and Asia, Oxea’s revenue in 2011 was EUR 1.5 billion.
Source: http://www.oxea-chemicals.com/