Shell Chemical LP said Jan. 7 that production of the fourth alpha olefins unit at its manufacturing site in Geismar, La., started in December 2018.

The 425,000-tonne-per-year capacity expansion brings total alpha olefins production at the Geismar petrochemical plant to more than 1.3 million tonnes per year.

Alpha olefins are ingredients in motor oils and laundry detergents.

The Geismar site is supported with advantaged ethylene feedstock from Shell's Norco, La., and Deer Park, Texas, manufacturing sites, enabling the site to respond to market conditions.