Saudi Basic Industries Corporation ( SABIC), majority owned by Saudi Aramco, announced that it has started commissioning activities and preparations for initial start-up of the joint venture project with ExxonMobil in the US Gulf Coast, according to Reuters.

The new complex features a 1.8 million t/y ethane production unit, which will feed two polyethylene units and a monoethylene glycol unit. Moreover, SABIC expects that this project will have a positive impact on its consolidated financial statements after the commercial operation begins.

“This project supports SABIC’s global growth strategy, diversifying its feedstock sources and strengthening its petrochemical manufacturing presence in North America for a wide range of products,” the Riyadh-based company said in a statement to the Saudi stock exchange.