INEOS Continues Texas Growth, Acquiring Eastman's Plant in Texas
- 29-Sep-2023 4:07 PM
- Journalist: Bob Duffler
INEOS has announced its agreement to acquire a chemicals facility located in Texas City from Eastman Chemical Co., further solidifying the global chemical company's presence in the state of Texas. This strategic move represents a substantial investment of $500 million and is slated to be finalized later this year. As part of its commitment to growth and expansion, INEOS intends to make significant investments in the facility to enhance its capabilities.
INEOS has already established a significant presence in East Texas, with operations spanning several chemicals facilities, including three in the Houston area and one in Port Arthur. Earlier in the year, INEOS took its first steps into the Texas oil and gas sector with the acquisition of Chesapeake Energy's Eagle Ford assets, a transaction valued at $1.4 billion. The addition of the Texas City site to INEOS's portfolio provides the company with strategic access to source materials at competitive costs, as emphasized by David Brooks, CEO of INEOS subsidiary INEOS Acetyls.
Upon the completion of the deal, all employees currently working at the site will become INEOS employees. This transition is expected to occur seamlessly, preserving the continuity of operations and expertise at the facility. Eastman Chemical Co. has opted to retain ownership of a plasticizer unit within the plant but will entrust INEOS with the operation and maintenance of this unit.
Erwin Dijkman, Eastman's division president of chemical intermediates, expressed the company's readiness to collaborate with INEOS during the transition and beyond, particularly regarding the management of the plasticizer business at the site. This collaborative approach underscores the commitment of both parties to ensure a smooth and productive transition process.
INEOS, a prominent player in the energy industry, manages a substantial portion of its business operations from its headquarters in League City, Texas. Earlier this year, the company revealed its substantial investments totaling $21 billion in the United States, a testament to its commitment to growth and development in the country. Currently, INEOS employs approximately 5,500 individuals in the United States, with a significant portion of its workforce based in Texas. This acquisition of the Texas City chemicals facility is yet another indicator of INEOS's dedication to expanding its footprint in the state and contributing to the region's economic development.
INEOS's acquisition of the Texas City chemicals facility from Eastman Chemical Co. marks a significant milestone in the company's ongoing growth strategy. This $500 million investment demonstrates INEOS's commitment to expanding its presence in Texas and the United States at large. With a strong focus on sustainability and business growth, INEOS is poised to leverage the strategic advantages of the Texas City site, securing competitive access to source materials and reinforcing its position as a key player in the chemical industry. The seamless transition of employees and operations underlines the collaborative spirit of this acquisition, promising a bright and productive future for all parties involved.