Sell Process Plants & Equipment Case Studies

Polioli SpA was a major Italian producer of formaldehyde and had developed a highly efficient and reliable production process over more than 45 years of operation. In 1987, Polioli constructed a 60,000 metric ton-per-year formaldehyde plant designed to produce a 37 wt.% formaldehyde solution with residual methanol of 0.5–1.0 wt.% and formic acid below 200 ppm. The plant’s reactors were upgraded in 1991. After Polioli constructed a larger formaldehyde facility, the 60,000 TPY plant was shut down in 2012 and became available for sale and relocation. The plant remained idle for several years and needed to be safely removed to clear the site for future redevelopment. Rather than requiring Polioli to fund and manage a costly dismantlement project, Phoenix purchased the plant, paid the owner for the assets, and assumed responsibility for their safe removal. This eliminated a major financial and operational burden for the owner while clearing the way for a new chapter at the site. Phoenix’s Turnkey Solution Phoenix purchased the complete formaldehyde plant, providing Polioli with a clear transaction structure and a single party responsible for the sale and removal of the assets. Phoenix then marketed the plant internationally and identified a qualified buyer in Asia seeking to acquire established formaldehyde production capacity at a lower cost and on a shorter schedule than building a new facility. The sale included the plant’s major equipment, piping, instrumentation, controls, and technical documentation. Documentation and Engineering Support One of the primary project challenges was that more than 400 original technical documents were available only as Italian-language hard copies. Phoenix engaged an experienced process specialist to translate the complete documentation package into English and convert the documents into an organized electronic format. Phoenix also provided a complete 3D laser scan of the facility to support engineering, reinstallation, and future plant modifications. Dismantlement and Relocation Phoenix managed the complete relocation process, including: Equipment match-marking and documentation Plant dismantlement Export-grade seaworthy packing Container and break-bulk loading Inland transportation International ocean freight Delivery to the buyer’s destination The final shipment consisted of 15 professionally packed 40-foot ocean containers and five large break-bulk items, with a total shipment weight of approximately 300,000 kilograms. Phoenix completed the dismantlement and delivery within six months of receiving the customer’s order. Customer Benefits For the seller, Phoenix provided a turnkey sale and removal solution that recovered value from an idle facility, reduced execution risk, and eliminated the need to manage multiple contractors, buyers, and logistics providers. For the buyer, the transaction provided access to a proven 60,000 TPY formaldehyde plant significantly faster and at a lower capital cost than designing and constructing a new facility. Phoenix also helped the buyer secure engineering services for plant upgrades, supervision during reinstallation, commissioning guidance, and a process performance guarantee. Through Phoenix’s acquisition, international marketing, dismantlement, and relocation capabilities, an idle European production facility was successfully preserved and placed back into productive use in Asia.

Phoenix purchased an idled 25,000 TPY sodium cyanide plant.  We re-sold the entire plant including know-how. As part of the sale, Phoenix was responsible to manage the dismantlement, match-marking, crating, packing and shipment of the plant to Mexico.  Relocation work began in March 2014 and was completed by September 2014. FMC was unable to sell the plant since it exited the cyanide business in 2002.  In 2012, Phoenix was given the opportunity to find a buyer who would relocate the plant.  After extensive marketing, Phoenix developed a buyer that resulted in a substantial revenue for FMC.

A U.S.-based chemical manufacturer owned a complete KOCH-designed solvent recovery and distillation system that was never commissioned. Originally built for Dimethylformamide (DMF) recovery, the plant remained idle for more than ten years. Phoenix Equipment acquired the asset and identified an African fuel-processing company that could adapt the system for a waste-product distillation project. Phoenix then managed the sale, removal, transportation, and export, successfully relocating the complete system from the United States to Africa.   The Challenge The seller owned a complete distillation system designed for DMF purification and recovery. Although never used, the system remained in excellent condition and featured high-quality process equipment, including a 36-inch diameter distillation column and Hastelloy C276 heat exchangers. The challenge was finding a buyer that could recognize the value of the equipment and adapt it for a different application while managing the complexities of removing and relocating the system.   The Opportunity Phoenix recognized that the system's design and metallurgy made it suitable for a wide range of solvent recovery and distillation applications beyond DMF service. Through its global network, Phoenix identified an African company in the fuel sector developing a waste-product recovery project. After reviewing the equipment and conducting an on-site inspection, the buyer determined the system could be adapted to meet its processing requirements at a significantly lower cost than purchasing new equipment.   Phoenix Equipment's Solution Phoenix handled every phase of the transaction, including acquiring the system from the U.S. chemical company, marketing it globally, coordinating inspections, and negotiating the sale. By acting as both buyer and seller, Phoenix simplified the process for all parties and ensured the equipment was successfully matched with a qualified end user.   Heavy Lift and Removal Execution Removing the complete skid-mounted system without damage was critical to the project's success. Phoenix developed a detailed lifting plan utilizing a 250-ton main crane and a tailing crane. The system was carefully disconnected, lowered, loaded onto trucks, and prepared for shipment while preserving the integrity of the equipment, piping, and skid structure.   Transportation and Export Logistics After removal, Phoenix coordinated transportation from the seller's facility to the export port and managed all logistics required for international shipment. Services included heavy-haul trucking, export preparation, port coordination, and ocean freight. Phoenix served as the single point of contact throughout the project, ensuring a smooth transition from seller to buyer.   Results   For the Seller Recovered value from an idled asset for more than ten years Eliminated storage obligations Freed facility space   For the Buyer Acquired quality equipment at a fraction of replacement cost Avoided long fabrication lead times Accelerated project development   For the Project Successful relocation from the U.S. to Africa Safe removal with no equipment damage Productive reuse of a long-idle industrial asset   Conclusion This project highlights Phoenix Equipment's ability to create value by connecting underutilized assets with qualified buyers worldwide. Through equipment acquisition, global marketing, heavy-lift execution, and international logistics, Phoenix transformed a dormant distillation system into a productive asset supporting a new fuel-industry project in Africa. If you need help with a chemical plant or equipment sale, purchase or relocation project, we would be happy to discuss your next project and see how Phoenix can best assist you.Speak to one of our team members todayto learn more about our variety of different services and solutions.

Industry: Energy, Chemicals & Industrial Gases Application: Synthesis Gas (H2 + CO) Production Asset Type: Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) Plant Plant Capacity: 18,500 Nm³/hr (653,000 SCFH)   The Challenge: A Fully Built Syngas Plant, Sitting Unused A leading North American energy company had invested heavily in a Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) initiative, anchored by a high-capacity HyCO plant engineered for synthesis gas production. The facility was completed, test-run, and mechanically sound — but due to a shift in strategic direction, the GTL project was shelved before full operations began. What remained was a $50M+ asset — idle, underutilized, and tying up valuable site space and capital. That’s when Phoenix Equipment stepped in.   Phoenix’s Role: Turning a Stranded Plant into a Strategic Opportunity Phoenix Equipment identified the dormant plant’s long-term value and moved swiftly to acquire it on speculation — no buyer lined up, just confidence in its market viability. We then led a comprehensive preservation and relocation effort, including: 3D laser scanning and detailed matchmarking Professional dismantling and labeling Secure storage and logistics coordination Complete documentation, including P&IDs and mechanical data   By assuming ownership and handling every step, we enabled the original owner to: Recoup capital quickly Eliminate environmental and site liabilities Clear the site for future development   What Made This Syngas Plant So Valuable? Unlike standard hydrogen units, this plant was designed to produce a controlled H2/CO ratio — true synthesis gas — opening the door to multiple downstream uses: Fischer-Tropsch synthesis Oxo-alcohols, acetic acid, or methanol production Formaldehyde and other gas-based chemicals Syngas platforms for clean fuels or alternative energy Its flexibility was key. And with a PSA system, the unit could also be adapted for high-purity hydrogen production — making it even more attractive to future-focused buyers.   The Right Buyer, Without the Wait With the plant safely dismantled and stored, we launched a targeted outreach strategy to connect with: Multinational chemical producers Industrial gas providers Advanced energy companies Blue hydrogen developers The result: We placed the unit with a global chemical manufacturer seeking to fast-track syngas-based production — bypassing the 2–3 year wait for new-build capacity.   The Outcome: Smart Recovery, Sustainable Results For the Seller: Monetized an idle, non-core asset Avoided costly demolition and site maintenance Freed up real estate for future expansion   For the Buyer: Acquired a high-volume plant at a fraction of the new-build cost Accelerated production timelines by years Retained hydrogen conversion potential for future needs   For the Environment: Reused thousands of tons of steel and processing equipment Significantly reduced embodied carbon footprint   Takeaway: Stranded Assets Don’t Have to Stay Stranded This case demonstrates what’s possible when foresight meets execution. With Phoenix Equipment, process plants that no longer serve one business can power the next — sustainably, strategically, and efficiently.   Next Up: Another Hydrogen Plant, Ready to Redeploy Following this successful project, we’re offering another hydrogen production plant with: Capacity: 2,266 Nm³/hr (80,000 SCFH) Status: Fully dismantled, matchmarked, and warehoused Design: Built for high-purity hydrogen Availability: Immediate   Explore the Listing: Hydrogen Plant – 2,266 Nm³/hr   Need to Unlock the Value in an Idle Plant? Whether you’re holding underused assets or seeking fast-turnaround capacity for syngas or hydrogen production — we can help. Contact us today, and we will be happy to assist you with all your plant sale and acquisition needs.

Phoenix acquired an unused 17,000 lbs/hour (7,748 kg/h) freeze concentration plant located at the Starbucks facility in Augusta, Georgia. The system consisted of four identical processing lines, installed in 2013, but never commissioned due to a project cancellation. Starbucks required the equipment to be removed to make space for a new project. Phoenix executed a purchase agreement, completed payment, and committed to removing the plant within a defined timeline. Multiple prospective buyers were developed, and Phoenix successfully sold two lines to a citrus extract manufacturer in Latin America. The removal, match-marking, crating, and preparation for overseas shipment were completed by Phoenix. The remaining unsold units were transferred to Phoenix’s storage yard for future resale opportunities. Summary Timeframe: August 2023 – August 2024 Service: Plant Acquisition & Relocation Value:$1,500,000  Result The freeze concentration plant was removed by Phoenix on Starbucks’ timeline. Two lines went to a citrus processor in Latin America, and the remaining units were sold to multiple buyers for varied projects—enabling fast deployment and significant savings over new equipment for the buyers.

Phoenix acquired the plant for more than scrap value and agreed to dismantle the plant to tops of concrete within 18 months. After attempting to sell the plant in its entirety for relocation, we initiated site dismantlement and asset recovery by engaging a Canadian subcontractor. 

Phoenix purchased this Gas-to-Liquids plant that was built in 2016. Envia required that we dismantle the site within a very short time frame so that they could sell the land. We closed on the transaction in less than week and mobilized within 10 days. We saved over 100 pieces of equipment including a complete 15.7 MMSCFD Hydrochem Syngas plant. Envia was able to clear the land and receive value for the assets quickly.

Plant Type: 14,000 BPD Topping Unit (Crude Unit)   Original Location: Vicksburg, MS                                               Destination: Africa   Phoenix Equipment purchased a 14,000 BPD Crude Distillation Unit (Topping Unit) in Mississippi. This complete unit produces jet (aviation) fuel, diesel, naphtha, kerosene, butane mix and light Gasoline. The unit was originally built in 1978 to process 5,000 BPD of south Louisiana light sweet crude oil. Between 1991 and 1994, the unit underwent expansions to increase capacity. In 1995, the unit switched feedstock to heavy aromatic distillate to produce both gasoline blends and marine diesel oil blends.        This unit is ideal for a region which has limited crude oil supply, but a small demand of fuel, diesel, naphtha and kerosene. Phoenix Equipment received serious inquiries from customers worldwide, especially from Africa, South East Asia, and CIS regions. There were very limited technical documents left after the shutdown due to several changes in ownership.  Nonetheless, our customers were confident the unit could be relocated and re-operated because it is a very common crude distillation process. We re-sold this unit to a customer in Africa. We coordinated with the customer to hire a dismantling contractor who met the customer’s tight budget. The dismantlement was completed in less than 4 months. All purchased equipment and structures were shipped to Africa for refurbishment and reinstallation.

Animal Health Fermentation Plant - Sold to be Re-Operated - Terre Haute, IN                                              Phoenix Equipment purchased, in partnership with another company, a 10-acre pharmaceutical-fermentation manufacturing facility from  Alpharma.  We were responsible for all carrying costs, including taxes, utilities, security and environmental conditions. The manufacturing site was built by Pittman-Moore to produce an injectable hormone (porcine somatotropin) used to improve feed efficiency and improve carcass quality in hogs. Pittman-Moore started building on the site in 1988. After a number of trial batches, they stopped the project in 1993. The equipment and the facility were maintained in like new condition until the Alpharma bought the property in 2000. The plant is located on ten acres in an industrial area near the Wabash River. The property is zoned for heavy industry. Adjacent neighbors are a waste treatment plant and an electrical substation. A steel frame concrete building contains 40,500 square feet of space under the roof. With the second floor and mezzanine levels, the total floor area is 67,000 square feet. All process equipment is 316L or 304L Stainless Steel and includes: 50,000 liter S/S Fermenter; 25 Sq. M. Stokes S/S Lypholizer; (2) Westphalia CSA160 Centrifuges; Westphalia BKA Centrifuge; Niro Ultrafiltration Systems; (2) Gaulin 500-MS18-10TBSX Homogenizers; Amicon Ion Exchange Columns; (2) Finn Aqua WFI Stills; APV Continuous Sterilizer; (4) York 350 HP Chillers; Clean Room; and Cozzoli equipment built in 2001 and still in original crates. In April 2008, we re-sold the facility to be re-utilized to make a similar product to a US-based company. Several of the former employees were re-hired and the plant is once again operational.   

  Nitric acid is a widely used chemical for the production of fertilizers, explosives, nylon precursors, and specialty organic compounds. Nitric acid is neutralized with ammonia to make ammonium nitrate, which is a major raw material to make fertilizers and explosives.   Dyno Nobel operated a nitric acid plant in Nevada, USA to produce ammonium nitrate for the local mining industry. When the mining business hit a down turn and market demand for ammonium nitrate decreased, the nitric acid plant was shut down in 2010 and mothballed. This 350 TPD plant was a Chemico mono-high-pressure process, with a steam turbine driven Ingersoll-Rand compressor train, ammonia-to-acid conversation rate of 0.288; and produced 57% concentration nitric acid.  After making a decision to permanently shutter the plant and convert the site to a terminal operation, Dyno Nobel engaged Phoenix to find potential buyers for the nitric acid and ammonium nitrate plants. Phoenix developed well qualified buyers from several countries and coordinated a thorough due diligence for the buyers. After due diligence was completed, Phoenix acquired both the nitric acid and ammonium nitrate plants, and also committed to perform the removal of all assets that couldn’t be relocated, such as the ammonium nitrate prill tower at no cost to Dyno Nobel.  For the buyer, Phoenix sold the plant delivered to the Port of Houston. Our scope of work included match-marking, dismantling, packing, and shipping the nitric acid plant. We packed pipe and small items in over 10 sea containers, sent large and oversized pieces breakbulk via 25+ trucks, and transported super heavy haul loads – the absorber tower and plant boiler – via rail. The plant was relocated to the Middle East.

Phoenix Equipment, in conjunction with a dismantlement partner, acquired for resale a 4.25 MW cogeneration plant from Montclair State University that was being replaced by a larger unit.  We sold the entire plant, including 4 MW Centaur 50 Solar gas turbine, HRSG, steam boiler, deaerator boiler feed water pumps, water filtration system, fire system, controls and all other components loaded to truck to one buyer for re-use at another location. The buyer acquired the plant and machinery for re-use in a new cogeneration plant at an ethanol plant. The new site is using the plant to generate 4.25 MW of electricty and 24,000 pounds per hour of 150 psi steam for their process.   Take-Aways The University was paid for an obsolete asset and avoided the liability of having to pay someone to remove the cogeneration plant - which was inside a building and locating in an area with very limited mobility. The University received a gutted, broom clean building, and today uses it for a student art gallery The buyer and ethanol plant obtained a good used cogeneration plant with all associated parts for a fraction of the cost of buying a new equipment.

How an Idle Hydrogen Plant Became Recovered Capital for One Company and New Production Capacity for Another Industrial plants often outlive the business decisions that made them necessary. The challenge isn't whether the equipment still works. It's finding the next company that can put it to work. That was the situation at ADM's oilseed processing facility in Canada. Changes to food regulations eliminated the need for hydrogen production used in manufacturing partially hydrogenated oils, and the site's 55,000 SCFH (1,500 Nm3/H) hydrogen plant was permanently shut down. Although it no longer served ADM's operations, the Glitsch-designed steam methane reforming (SMR) plant remained a well-preserved production asset. After shutdown, the plant was mothballed under a nitrogen blanket to help prevent internal corrosion. Most of the equipment was skid-mounted, making future dismantlement and relocation practical. The challenge shifted from preserving the plant to finding another manufacturer that could use it.   Why Phoenix Purchased the Plant Phoenix recognized that the plant's greatest value remained in continued operation. Purchasing an entire hydrogen plant before a buyer has been identified requires confidence that another operator exists with a genuine need for the production capacity. That confidence comes from understanding the global market for complete process plants, not simply the value of the individual equipment. Phoenix purchased the plant outright and marketed it internationally as a complete hydrogen production facility rather than dismantling it for individual equipment.   Project Overview Built in 1995, the plant was designed to produce 1,500 Nm³/hr (55,000 SCFH) of hydrogen from natural gas using a steam methane reforming process. A pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system produced hydrogen at 99.99% purity. The plant remained largely intact after shutdown. Its preserved condition and skid-mounted design made relocation a practical alternative to dismantlement while helping preserve the process configuration for reinstallation.   Finding the Right Buyer Finding a buyer for an entire hydrogen plant is fundamentally different from selling individual pieces of equipment. The pool of potential buyers is much smaller. The buyer must have a process that requires hydrogen, demand for additional production, and expansion plans that align with the facility being offered. Phoenix marketed the plant globally and ultimately identified a chemical manufacturer in Asia expanding hydrogen capacity for hydrogen peroxide production. Acquiring an existing hydrogen plant gave the buyer additional production capacity without building a comparable new steam methane reforming facility. At the same time, ADM recovered more value from an idle asset than dismantling the plant into individual equipment or scrap.   Preparing the Plant for Relocation Following the sale, Phoenix managed dismantlement and preparation for international shipment. The work included match-marking equipment and piping, dismantling the facility, crating, export packing, and coordinating shipment from Canada to Asia. Because much of the plant had originally been constructed on skids, dismantlement and transportation were completed efficiently while preserving the plant's configuration for reinstallation. All dismantlement, packing, and shipping activities were completed in approximately two months.   Project Outcome The transaction created value for every party involved. ADM converted an idle production asset into recovered capital after the hydrogen plant no longer supported its operations. The buyer expanded hydrogen production without the time and capital required to build a comparable new facility. Phoenix's understanding of the global market for complete process plants made that outcome possible by connecting a seller with surplus capacity to a buyer ready to put the plant back into service. Industrial plants do not always reach the end of their useful life when they stop serving their original owner. Sometimes the value simply shifts to a different operator. Identifying that opportunity, and executing the transfer successfully, is what makes complete plant redeployment possible.  

Background: Occidental invested significant capital to expand and up- grade the specialty chemical facility in Niagara Falls, NY in the late 1990’s.  However, due to unfavorable business conditions, Occidental decided to close the specialty chemical processes. After Occidental was un- able to sell the unit as an operating business, there were compelling reasons for them to demolish non-operating buildings and remove the assets from site.  This project was initially budgeted to be a $15,000,000 cost.   Solution: Our worldwide technical and marketing knowledge of the chemical processes, technology, patents and equipment enabled Phoenix to perform the decommissioning at no cost to Occidental. Together with Occidental, we structured an approach that that allowed us to market the processes and equipment we had purchased while performing a major five phase decommissioning project. Although Occidental was unable to sell the assets as an ongoing business, they were able to recapture significant value from those assets and have their facility safely dismantled at no cost.    Key Notes: Our purchase of the specialty chemical assets included nine complete plants/processes: Ring Chlorination Hydrofluorination Photochlorination Nitrilation Flexible Chlorination Muriatic Acid Phosphorous HF Unloading System Liquid Waste Incinerator Our purchase included an 80,000 square foot lab that we were able to re-sell to be operated in place.