Avril today announces the inauguration of a new esterification facility atthe Oleon Conroe site in Texas, United States. Through this investment, the Group strengthens its industrial footprint in North America and continues the international expansion of its renewable chemistry activities, led by its Avril Specialties & Oleochemicals business line. The new facility enables the local production of specialty esters for North American markets and complements the blending, filling, warehousing and logistics activities already established at the site in 2023
Through its renewable chemistry activities, Avril transforms renewable raw materials into specialty ingredients serving a wide range of industrial markets, from cosmetics and lubricants to home care products and selected energy applications.
These activities build on the expertise of Oleon, Avril's subsidiary and European leader in oleochemistry, with operations across Europe, Asia, North America and Brazil. This international footprint enables the Group to support customers close to their markets while developing solutions based on renewable plant-based resources.
A new milestone in Avril's North American development
Present in Conroe since 2023, the Group continues to expand its industrial platform in North America with this new esterification facility. Located in the heart of a major U.S. chemical and energy corridor, Conroe was selected for its proximity to customers, access to raw materials, transportation networks and skilled talent.
"Our international expansion enables us to strengthen the local presence of our operations, secure supply chains and put our expertise in transforming renewable raw materials at the service of high-value, high-performance solutions. With this new facility, Avril is making a deliberate choice for proximity: producing closer to customers, better understanding their needs and responding more quickly to them." Paul-Yves L'Anthoën, CEO of Avril.
An integrated platform serving high-performance renewable solutions
The new facility provides the flexibility to manufacture locally a broad portfolio of specialty esters and tailor-made formulations for applications including lubricants, drilling fluids, hydraulic fluids, environmentally acceptable lubricants, rheology modifiers, emulsifiers, electric vehicle fluids and thermal management solutions.
"North America is a key market for Oleon, and this investment brings us closer to our customers. Our presence in Conroe builds on a strong industrial ecosystem and local expertise, enabling us to enhance our service levels and work alongside customers to develop high-performance solutions." Antoine Prevost, CEO of Oleon.