Oleon invests 280 million BEF in Ertvelde
Market demand for products and derivatives based on naturally renewable resources is increasing continuously, also in the chemical industry. Both ecological soundness and product performance are of overriding importance. Oleon, until early 2001 part of Atofina (the Chemicals group of TotalFinaElf) is now an independent company, highly experienced in oleochemicals. It belongs to the top-three on the European scene.
Since vegetable glycerine represents a growing marketshare, Oleon wants to improve its position in that market. Until today Oleon did not have sufficient capacity to meet adequately the demand of her customers for this specific product. By producing her own vegetable glycerine Oleon completes her product range and consolidates her profitability. Taking these data into account, the board of directors considered that time has come to approve this investment project and start building a new glycerine-refinery based on distillation.The plant will be constructed on own factory grounds in Ertvelde and will have a capacity of roughly 30.000 tons per year. The investment also involves a small increase of employment on this site. Cost of the entire project amounts to roughly 280 million BEF (6.9 mio EURO). Opening is planned end 2002.