The Houston Technology Center (HTC) celebrated 10 years of innovation on March 30, 2023. Site employees, contractors and members of the Executive Committee gathered for lunch and participated in lab tours of the facilities. They also listened to remarks provided by Chief Executive Officer Peter Vanacker and Global Vice President of Process and Catalyst Gabriele Mei, detailing the tremendous impact made from the research and development (R&D) work achieved at HTC over the last decade.
“Ten years of innovation is a big achievement, and it all starts with a strong R&D foundation,” said Vanacker. “LyondellBasell has always treasured innovation and that is something we will continue to do as a company at our technology centers around the world. We’re building on the next generations of technologies, looking 10, 20, 30 years down the road and beyond, creating a better future.”
“Creating is an essential component of what we do, and that is what happens every day here at the Houston Technology Center,” Vanacker continued. “We have an enormous desire to continue creating solutions for everyday sustainable living.”
HTC is a state-of-the-art research center, located at the company’s largest U.S. manufacturing complex in Channelview, Texas, with a focus to improve catalyst and process technologies, reducing manufacturing costs, improving yields and lowering capital costs of new construction. The recently announced global initiatives such as the propylene oxide / tertiary butyl alcohol (PO/TBA) project and MoReTec advanced recycling technology began at HTC.
“We are proud to be a highly innovative company and a leader in molecular recycling. The work here is not just making LyondellBasell a better company, but we’re also making sure our industry is seen as providing solutions. You have my full support as we continue to invest in innovation,” Vanacker concluded.
Since the grand opening in 2013, the HTC team has grown in size to support the development in technologies and projects at manufacturing sites throughout the world.
When reflecting on his time spent at HTC, Mei said, “I know firsthand, there is a lot of science that happens here along with a culture of inclusivity, an innovation mindset, creativity and curiosity –– all contributing to this team making such a value for the company.”
“I’m very proud of the achievements of this site over the last 10 years, and I know we will continue to be technology leaders in our core technologies, while also supporting the LyondellBasell sustainability ambitions,” said Mei.
Dan White, Director of Global Intermediates & Derivatives (I&D) and Olefins R&D, is one of many employees who have been a part of the HTC team since the facility opened its doors.
“I’d like to extend my appreciation to everyone who has been a part of the journey over the last 10 years,” said White. “We’ve worked as a team to bring the site together since the start and we’ve enriched who we are, bringing innovation and different cultures and ways of thinking to enhance and successfully implement our projects.”
