ExxonMobil announced plans to increase production of ultra-low sulfur fuels at its Beaumont refinery by approximately 40,000 barrels per day, further strengthening its integrated downstream portfolio while meeting environmental standards.

Construction is scheduled during the second half of 2016 to install a selective cat naphtha hydrofining unit, which uses a proprietary catalyst system to remove sulfur while minimizing octane loss. Startup of the flexible technology, known as SCANfining, is expected in 2018. Gasoline produced using this technology will meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Tier 3 gasoline sulfur specifications.

“ExxonMobil continues to strengthen its portfolio of world-class refining assets,” said Steve Cope, director of North America refining, for ExxonMobil. “This investment further enhances the competitiveness of our U.S. Gulf Coast refineries.”

Installation of the selective cat naphta hydrofining unit is the facility’s second expansion project in a year, following the announcement of the Beaumont refinery’s capacity expansion in 2015, and demonstrates ExxonMobil’s long-term view and disciplined approach toward advantaged business investments. Beaumont is well positioned to competitively supply high-demand growth markets around the U.S. in the face of a challenging industry environment.

About Beaumont Refinery

ExxonMobil’s Beaumont refinery is part of the company’s integrated operations in Beaumont, Texas, which includes a 345,000 barrel-per-day capacity refinery, as well as chemical, lubricants and polyethylene plants. ExxonMobil has approximately 2,100 area employees, and its operations account for approximately 1 in every 7 jobs in the region. A 20,000 barrel-per-day expansion of the refinery’s crude processing ability, announced in 2015, is currently under way.

“This specialized unit will improve our product yield, and demonstrates our technology advantage and focus on increasing energy efficiency,” said Fernando Salazar, manager of the Beaumont refinery. “This project represents the largest capital investment in our Beaumont refinery operations in more than a decade, and will benefit the local economy with both temporary and full-time jobs.”

About ExxonMobil Refining & Supply

ExxonMobil Refining & Supply and its stewarded affiliates operate a global network of reliable and efficient manufacturing plants, transportation systems, and distribution centers that provide a range of fuels, lubricants, and other high-value products and feedstocks to our customers around the world.

About ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM), the largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world’s growing energy needs. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading inventory of resources and is one of the world’s largest integrated refiners, marketers of petroleum products and chemical manufacturers.