Chemicals and materials manufacturer Chevron Phillips Chemical (CPChem) is preparing to build a new unit for polyalphaolefins (PAO) at its Beringen, Belgium facility, the company announced Tuesday. The project will double the location’s capacity for the product, reaching 120,000 mt when the unit is starts up in 2024.

CPCChem has supplied PAOs for more than four decades under its Synfluid brand. The chemicals are used in synthetic products like lubricants, greases, and fluids in defense, automotive, industrial, and other applications

“Our Beringen plant has a long history of safe, reliable production of PAOs and of serving our customers with excellence,” Mitch Eichelberger, executive vice president of polymers and specialties, said in a release. “The construction of a new unit near our existing assets will allow us to benefit from strong local expertise and leverage Belgium’s central position to meet customer needs globally.”

Demand for PAOs is increasing due to its performance at extreme temperatures and its ability to lower energy consumption through efficiency.

“Increased production from this new investment will be critical to support growing demand at a time of great innovation in several sectors that require PAOs,” said Antoine Janssens, Europe Africa region general manager, in a statement.

CPChem currently operates PAO units in Beringen, Belgium and Baytown, TX.