Pilot Chemical Company is set to significantly increase its production of anionic surfactants at its Middletown, Ohio, facility. The expansion will focus on the production of alpha olefin sulfonate (AOS), with the company planning to more than double its current output.

The expansion will be carried out in two phases. The first phase will involve debottlenecking activities, which are set to begin this month. The second phase will see the installation of a new sulfonation reactor train, which is expected to be operational by early 2027.

Pilot Chemical’s decision to expand its AOS production is driven by the growing demand for the surfactant in the household, industrial, and institutional (I&I) and personal care markets. The company’s Middletown site is its largest manufacturing facility and is strategically located to support this increased production.

In addition to the AOS expansion, Pilot Chemical is also investing in its Air/SO3 technology. The company recently completed an expansion of its ice-cold sulfonation technology at the Middletown site.

“This investment builds on Pilot’s strong leadership position in AOS and allows us to meet the growing requirements of our customers,” said Mike Clark, CEO of Pilot Chemical Company. “Our Middletown facility, which is our largest site, is well positioned to support this growth. The site is located near many of our household, I&I and personal care customers and can produce a broad range of anionic surfactants.”

Pilot Chemical is a privately owned and independent global specialty chemical manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, and operates additional sites in Ohio, Texas, New Jersey and Mexico.