Ineos Oxide, a subsidiary of London-based Ineos, will build a new 1.2 billion pound (about 520,000 metric tons) ethylene oxide unit and associated ethylene oxide derivatives unit at its Chocolate Bayou plant in Alvin, Texas south of Houston. Ethylene oxide is used to make ethylene glycol, which is used to make polyester fiber for clothes, upholstery, carpet and pillows and the blending of automotive engine antifreeze. Alvin isn't the only place where Ineos is expanding in Texas. A subsidiary of the company applied for Chapter 313 tax incentives earlier this year on a new $803 million expansion of its La Porte chemical plant.The proposed La Porte project includes construction of a 850,000 metric ton ethylbenzene /styrene unit.
