Oxea expands N.A. carboxylic-acids production, adds butyric acid

In an effort to increase its operational flexibility, Oxea GmbH (Oberhausen, Germany; www.oxea-chemicals.com) has decided to produce butyric acid at its North American (N.A.) production site in Bay City, Texas. The existing carboxylic-acids production plant will receive significant upgrading in order to produce the same reliable quality as currently delivered from Marl, Germany. The changes to the unit are expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2009. The expansion in Bay City and process improvements in Marl and Oberhausen will result in an increase of Oxea’s global production output of Carboxylic acids by 25–30%. Butyric acids find use in the production of flavors and fragrances, lubricants, siccatives (drying agents) and polymer stabilizers. “The demand for butyric acids has increased significantly. Our volume increase project is therefore an example of Oxea’s commitment to its customers”, says Miguel Mantas, member of the Oxea executive board. “Up to now, our American customers received their shipments from Europe. We have now decided to produce high-quality stocks of these acids close to our customers in America and further grow the business in Asia”, he adds.