U.S.-based surfactants producer implements Project Catalyst restructuring with multi-site closures and asset decommissioning.

New Jersey, United States: Stepan Company announced on February 23, 2026, the closure of its Fieldsboro, New Jersey surfactants production site alongside the decommissioning of select assets at facilities in Millsdale, Illinois, and Stalybridge, United Kingdom, with all actions targeted for completion by mid-2026. The Fieldsboro closure responds directly to sustained weakness in commodity surfactants demand, particularly in the laundry detergent sector. The site produced sulfonation, betaine, and specialty-tolled products. Simultaneously, Stepan is decommissioning alkoxylation assets at its Elwood (Millsdale) facility, consolidating production to its new, more efficient 75,000 tonne-per-year plant in Pasadena, Texas, which commenced operations in 2025 with both ethoxylation and propoxylation capabilities. The Stalybridge organics assets face elimination due to elevated operating costs and decreased utilization rates. The restructuring is integral to Stepan's Project Catalyst cost-cutting initiative, with expected restructuring charges ranging from $70 million to $80 million in 2026, of which $52 million to $62 million will materialize in Q1.

According to Luis E. Rojo, President and CEO, Stephan Company, “Project Catalyst is a comprehensive plan designed to further optimize our asset base and create a more productive and agile organization to enable growth. Project Catalyst is designed to partially offset inflationary pressures and other headwinds, while enabling us to maintain the resources and flexibility needed to deliver exceptional service and value to our customers. These anticipated savings will also support targeted and strategic investments to boost growth and strengthen Stepan’s competitive edge.”