ExxonMobil Bolsters Chemical Production Capacity in Texas's Baytown Facility

The gathering took place at the Hyatt Regency Baytown Houston Convention Center, where plant officials and key industry stakeholders delivered remarks.

Denise Burcham, venture executive for the project, reflected on the journey from the project's initial concept to its current reality. She noted that what began as a mere ten pieces of paper and a PowerPoint presentation has evolved into one of the world's most technologically advanced petrochemical facilities. ExxonMobil commenced construction in 2019, generating 3,500 jobs during this phase. Two new chemical production units were installed and started production in the third quarter.

Burcham explained that one unit is dedicated to producing performance polymers, essential building blocks for enhancing the flexibility and elasticity of everyday items in automotive, construction, medical, and packaging applications. The company anticipates an annual production of 400,000 tons of Vistamaxx™ performance polymers from this unit. The second unit marks ExxonMobil's entry into the linear alpha olefins market, producing components crucial for high-performance engines, industrial oils, waxes, surfactants, polyethylene plastic for packaging, and other specialty chemicals. ExxonMobil aims to produce over 350,000 tons per year of linear alpha olefins.

Congressman Brian Babbitt emphasized the project's significant economic impact, creating numerous construction jobs and providing direct employment for hundreds. The $2 billion investment is expected to stimulate demand for high-value materials, particularly in the auto parts sector, contributing to the local economy for years to come.

The Baytown facility stands as the largest integrated petrochemical complex in the U.S. and ranks among the most technologically advanced refining and petrochemical complexes globally. Spanning approximately 3,400 acres along the Houston Ship Channel, the complex includes a refinery, chemical plant, olefins plant, plastics plant, and a global technology center in Mont Belvieu, Texas.

Hector Rivero, President of the Texas Chemistry Council, highlighted the project's broader significance for Texas, the industry, and the economy. He underscored the substantial property tax base increase, new business establishments, and job opportunities for the surrounding communities resulting from the project. Rivero emphasized the project's positive impact on construction workers, their families, and the chemical industry as a whole.

ExxonMobil Baytown Chemical Plant Manager Glenn Hayes highlighted the complex's role in providing essential products for future generations. He specifically mentioned the positive impact of Vistamaxx™ on plastic bottles, enabling increased recyclability and durability.

Mike Zamora, Senior VP of Chemical Products for ExxonMobil, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project. He acknowledged the collective effort of employees, partners, contractors, the community, and customers in making the investment successful. Zamora expressed pride in the strategic importance of the Gulf Coast for such investments, citing the Baytown project as a world-class endeavor unique to the region.