Oleon Begins Specialty Ester Production at Texas Facility
Oleon has inaugurated a new esterification unit at its Conroe, Texas, facility, expanding its U.S. manufacturing capabilities for specialty esters used in lubricants, hydraulic fluids, drilling fluids, and other industrial applications. The company announced the inauguration on October 16, 2026, following the unit’s commissioning and start of full operations in September.
The investment adds esterification capabilities to Oleon’s existing Conroe operations, which include blending, filling, packaging, warehousing, and logistics activities. The expansion provides the company with a more integrated U.S. manufacturing platform for specialty esters and customized formulations serving North American customers.
Oleon, a subsidiary of the international agro-industrial group Avril, specializes in oleochemistry, using renewable raw materials such as vegetable oils and animal fats to manufacture specialty chemical products. Its ester-based products serve a variety of applications, including industrial lubricants, environmentally acceptable lubricants, hydraulic and drilling fluids, 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,” said Antoine Prevost, CEO of Oleon. “Local production allows us to respond faster to their needs, strengthen our service and work alongside them in developing high-performance solutions.”
David Van De Gejuchte, plant manager at Oleon’s Conroe facility, said the new unit provides greater flexibility to manufacture specialty esters and tailor-made formulations for North American customers. Combined with the site’s existing operations, the new manufacturing capabilities create a more integrated production and distribution platform.
According to Oleon, the Conroe location offers access to raw materials, transportation infrastructure, and a skilled workforce. The company expects its domestic manufacturing capabilities to shorten delivery times, improve supply-chain responsiveness, and reduce transportation distances associated with supplying the North American market.
For the lubricant industry, the expansion adds U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities for specialty ester products used in applications where performance characteristics, environmental considerations, or specific formulation requirements influence lubricant selection. The company’s announcement did not specify production capacity for the new unit.
The facility was officially inaugurated on October 15 during an event attended by company representatives, employees, customers, partners, and local stakeholders.