OQ Chemicals Ends Force Majeure at German Sites, Operations Resume

OQ Chemicals, a leading global chemical company, has rescinded its force majeure declaration for all products originating from its German facilities located in Oberhausen and Marl.

This decision comes after the successful restart of operations earlier this month. Currently, all plants are operating at full capacity, meeting their nameplate production targets. Throughout the operational hiatus, OQ Chemicals implemented strategic improvements aimed at optimizing production processes.

The force majeure was initially announced following a disruption at a synthesis gas plant operated by one of the company's raw material suppliers at the end of February 2024.

The previously affected products, a comprehensive range including Isobutyraldehyde, n-Butyraldehyde, n-Butanol, i-Butanol, 2-Ethylhexanol, n-Butyl acetate, n-Butylamine (across all grades), TCD Alcohol DM, Neopentyl Glycol, n-Propionaldehyde, Isovaleraldehyde, 2-Methylbutyric acid, 2-Ethylhexanoic acid, n-Butyric acid, Isobutyric acid, Isononanoic acid, Isopentanoic acid, Isovaleric acid, n-Valeric acid, OXSOFT 3G8, and OXFILM 351, are now exempt from the force majeure declaration.

OQ Chemicals, previously known as Oxea, is a global producer of Oxo Intermediates and Oxo Performance Chemicals, encompassing alcohols, polyols, carboxylic acids, specialty esters, and amines. These substances are essential elements in the production of high-quality coatings, lubricants, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, flavors and fragrances, printing inks, and plastics. With over 1,400 employees worldwide, OQ Chemicals distributes its products in over 60 countries. The company is a subsidiary of OQ, an integrated energy enterprise with roots in Oman.

OQ Chemicals holds a prominent global position as a producer and distributor of Oxo Intermediates and Oxo Performance Chemicals. Our products find applications across diverse industry sectors including paints and coatings, lubricants and functional fluids, personal care, flexible packaging, and more. With a robust production capacity of 1.3 million tonnes and a diverse portfolio of 70 products shipped globally to every continent, OQ Chemicals stands as a leader in the chemical industry. Supported by a dedicated workforce of 1,400 employees spread across the globe, the company generates an impressive annual revenue of 1.4 billion euros. Operating from six strategically located production sites, OQ Chemicals is committed to delivering innovative solutions and maintaining its position as a trusted partner in various sectors worldwide.

The precursor to OQ Chemicals, OXEA, emerged in 2007 through the merger of European Oxo, a collaboration between Celanese and Degussa (now Evonik), and certain business divisions of Celanese Chemicals. Subsequently, over the ensuing years, the company experienced growth and extended its footprint across established as well as emerging markets. Since 2013, OQ Chemicals has been a subsidiary of OQ, an integrated energy corporation originating from Oman.