Pilot Chemical expands anionic surfactant production capacity
Pilot Chemical Company has announced plans to significantly expand its production of high-quality anionic surfactants at its Middletown, Ohio, U.S.A., facility. The expansion will enable the company to more than double its supply of alpha olefin sulfonate (AOS) to the household, industrial, institutional (I&I), and personal care markets.
Alpha olefin sulfonates are a group of anionic surfactants derived from alpha olefins, which are produced from petroleum-based feedstocks. They are widely used in detergents, personal care products, industrial applications, and some lubricant formulations due to their excellent foaming, emulsifying, and cleaning properties.
The project will involve debottlenecking activities, which started in January 2025 followed by the installation of a new sulfonation reactor train, scheduled to become operational in early 2027.
“This investment strengthens our leadership position in AOS and ensures we can meet the growing needs of our customers,” said Mike Clark, CEO of Pilot Chemical Company. “The Middletown facility, our largest manufacturing site, is well positioned to support this expansion, given its proximity to key household, I&I, and personal care customers.”
The investment complements Pilot Chemical’s 2024 expansion of its proprietary ice-cold sulfonation technology capacity at the Middletown site, reinforcing the company’s commitment to advancing Air/SO3 sulfonation technology.
With this initiative, Pilot Chemical continues to enhance its capabilities in anionic surfactants, ensuring supply reliability and innovation for its customers in North America and beyond.
