Sell Process Plants & Equipment Case Studies

After FMC had been unable to sell its idled sodium cyanide plant for years, Phoenix marketed the facility internationally and developed a buyer that generated substantial recovery for FMC. Phoenix sold the complete 25,000 TPY plant together with the associated process know-how and managed match-marking, dismantlement, packing and shipment to Mexico.

A complete KOCH-designed solvent recovery and distillation system had remained unused for more than a decade. Phoenix acquired the system, recognized applications beyond its original DMF service and identified an African fuel processor that could adapt it for a new project. Phoenix then handled the sale, heavy-lift removal, transportation and export—recovering value for the seller while eliminating storage obligations and freeing valuable plant space.

After a strategic change left a completed $50 million-plus HyCO syngas plant idle, Phoenix acquired the facility on speculation without having a buyer lined up. Phoenix then preserved, dismantled, match-marked and stored the plant before identifying a global chemical manufacturer seeking rapid syngas capacity. The transaction allowed the original owner to recover capital, avoid demolition and site-maintenance costs, and clear valuable real estate for future use.

Starbucks needed a never-commissioned four-line freeze concentration plant removed from its Georgia facility to make room for a new project. Phoenix purchased the equipment, committed to Starbucks’ removal schedule and assumed the resale risk. Phoenix ultimately placed the four lines with multiple buyers while managing match-marking, removal, crating and international shipment—providing Starbucks with both immediate asset recovery and a turnkey site-clearance solution.

After Polioli shut down its surplus 60,000 TPY formaldehyde plant in Italy, Phoenix purchased the facility, paid the owner for the assets and assumed responsibility for removal. Phoenix marketed the plant globally, identified a buyer in Asia, digitized and translated more than 400 technical documents, completed a 3D scan, and managed dismantlement and international shipment—recovering value for Polioli while clearing the site for redevelopment.

Phoenix acquired the closed Arlanxeo chemical plant for more than its scrap value and committed to dismantling the facility to the tops of concrete within an agreed 18-month schedule. Phoenix first marketed the facility for complete relocation and then transitioned to equipment recovery and site dismantlement, giving Arlanxeo a single counterparty responsible for maximizing asset value and clearing the site.

When Envia needed its recently built Gas-to-Liquids facility removed quickly so the underlying property could be sold, Phoenix closed the acquisition in less than one week and mobilized within 10 days. Phoenix preserved more than 100 major equipment items, including a complete 15.7 MMSCFD Hydrochem syngas plant, while allowing Envia to quickly recover value and clear the site for sale.

Phoenix purchased a surplus 14,000 BPD crude distillation unit in Mississippi and marketed the complete plant to buyers worldwide. Despite limited surviving technical documentation, Phoenix identified a buyer in Africa, coordinated an economical dismantlement program and completed removal in less than four months. The complete unit was shipped for refurbishment and reinstallation rather than being broken up for scrap.

After Dyno Nobel permanently shut its Nevada nitric acid operation, Phoenix developed qualified international buyers and ultimately acquired both the nitric acid and ammonium nitrate plants. Phoenix also assumed responsibility for removing assets that could not be relocated at no cost to Dyno Nobel. The 350 TPD nitric acid plant was match-marked, dismantled, packed and transported to the Middle East using containers, breakbulk trucks and heavy-haul rail.

When Montclair State replaced its 4.25 MW cogeneration plant, Phoenix acquired the complete system and sold it to an ethanol producer for continued operation. Phoenix removed the turbine, HRSG, boiler, controls and associated systems from a highly constrained indoor location. The university was paid for an obsolete asset, avoided removal costs and received a broom-clean building that was subsequently converted into an art gallery.

When regulatory changes eliminated ADM’s need for hydrogen production at its Canadian oilseed facility, Phoenix purchased the preserved 1,500 Nm³/hr SMR hydrogen plant and marketed it globally as a complete production system. Phoenix identified an Asian chemical producer requiring additional hydrogen capacity and then managed dismantlement, match-marking, packing and international shipment in approximately two months—allowing ADM to recover more value than equipment breakup or scrap liquidation.

Occidental initially faced an estimated $15 million cost to dismantle its closed specialty chemical operations in Niagara Falls. Phoenix acquired nine complete plants and process systems, marketed valuable equipment and technology, and executed a five-phase decommissioning program. Through equipment resale and asset recovery, Phoenix enabled Occidental to recover significant value while completing the facility dismantlement at no cost to the owner.

Phoenix and its partner acquired Alpharma’s 10-acre pharmaceutical fermentation facility and assumed ongoing costs including taxes, utilities, security and environmental obligations. Rather than dismantling the high-quality stainless process equipment, Phoenix identified a U.S. buyer that could reuse the complete facility in place. The plant returned to operation, several former employees were rehired, and the seller was relieved of ownership and carrying costs.