Today the global chemical company Oxea announced the successful restart of operations at its production sites in Bay City and Bishop, Texas, USA, after the controlled shutdown due to the landfall of Hurricane Harvey by end of August. The hurricane was one of the most powerful storms to hit the USA for years. Oxea’s units are back in operation mode and have started production of specified material. Although the units are not yet back at full capacities, Oxea was able to repeal Force Majeure for several products. While logistics are still a state-wide challenge, Oxea’s logistics team works closely with its customers to arrange shipments matching with their needs.
“The safety of our employees was of primary concern when we shut down the Bay City and Bishop plants and prepared for the storm. Our thoughts are with the huge number of people whose lives have been impacted by Hurricane Harvey,” said Salim Al Huthaili, CEO of Oxea. “Now we are working closely with our employees that were significantly affected by the storm and who are dealing with damage and flooding of their personal property and impact on their family and friends. Many Oxea colleagues have volunteered labor, services, and supplies and donated to relief efforts,” he continued.
Due to fortunate circumstances the impact of the hurricane and subsequent flooding were less damaging than forecasted, and only minor issues have been identified at the site. In Bay City, Oxea is currently implementing one of its largest investment projects: the construction of the new propanol production unit “Propanol 2”, scheduled for completion in 2018. The contractors have done an excellent job and secured Oxea’s construction site before the storm. The assessment of the Propanol 2 construction site did not identify any significant damages. “Except for a slight schedule delay, the Propanol 2 Project suffered very little impact from Hurricane Harvey,” stated Markus Heuwes, Propanol 2 Project Director at Oxea.
“I am very proud of our employees and the site. Everyone has worked together as a team to recover from the weather emergency. The emphasis placed on safety and the dedication to service our customers has been outstanding. Our thanks go to the entire Oxea team who helped securing the site and ensured a quick restart,” commented Fred Gaytan, Oxea’s Bay City and Bishop Site Director.
About Oxea
Oxea is a global manufacturer of oxo intermediates and oxo derivatives, such as alcohols, polyols, carboxylic acids, specialty esters, and amines. These products are used for the production of high-quality coatings, lubricants, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products, flavorings and fragrances, printing inks and plastics. Oxea employs more than 1,400 people worldwide. Oxea is part of the Oman Oil Company S.A.O.C. (OOC), a commercial company wholly owned by the Government of Oman. Established in 1996, it pursues investment opportunities in the wider energy sector both inside and outside Oman. OOC plays an important role in the Sultanate’s efforts to diversify the economy and to promote domestic and foreign investments. For more information about Oxea, visit www.oxea-chemicals.com.