Avril’s Oleon Expands International Production Footprint, Acquires North American Facility

Oleon, the oleochemical subsidiary of French agri giant Avril, is expanding its international production footprint with the acquisition of a new North American facility in Conroe, Texas, FoodNavigator-Asia reported on December 19.  Oleon, a European leader in oleochemicals, specializes in the transformation of vegetable oils and animal fats into oleochemicals such as fatty acids, glycerin, dimers and esters, which are used as building blocks or ingredients in many everyday products such as foods.

The move highlight the importance that Oleon places on developing local production capabilities, as well as the potential the group sees in the American market. “We are convinced of the growth potential of the North American market, not only because of its size, but also because of the availability of important raw materials.  The global supply chain crisis of the past two years has also reiterated the importance of local production,” said Jeroen Dirckx, Managing Director.

The plant will start in the first half of 2023 offering storage and blending services for the various markets in which Oleon is active, including lubricants, industrials, oils and gas, and crop protection.  Significant investment is underway to provide esterification capacity by 2024.  Further expansion options are also being considered for the future, the group said.