Oleochemicals producer Oleon has acquired a majority stake in A. Azevedo Óleos, a Brazilian oleochemical company specialised in castor oil and its derivatives. The company said that this strengthens its position in the rapidly growing South American market. Terms were not disclosed.

Oleon has opened what it claims to be “Europe's most innovative plant for the production of sustainable oleochemicals” at Oelegem, Belgium. Built a cost of €17.4 million, including €13.3 million in European subsidies, this will operate using only enzymes of natural origin and has 3,000 tonnes/year of capacity. It is connected by canal to Antwerp’s port.

Oloechemicals specialist Oleon has acquired a blending plant in Conroe in the Houston area of Texas, its first in North America. The company said that this will be “the cornerstone for its industrial activity in the Americas with an expected initial investment of more than $50 million”. The company has other sites in Belgium, Germany, France and Malaysia.

Oleochemicals firm Oleon has begun construction of a $50 million production facility in Baytown, Texas. Due to be put into service end of 2023, this will produce esters and provide blending services to support the firm’s growing oil and gas business, while bringing it closer to customers in the North America, according to CEO Moussa Naciri.