BAD HOMBURG, Dec. 20--PRNewswire-AsiaNet/InfoQuest Over the next year, Sasol Olefins & Surfactants (O&S) will make investments to modernize its Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS) plant in Marl, Germany. The project will involve the replacement of in-house sulfonation technology with state-of-the-art falling-film sulfonation technology provided by Ballestra of Italy. Sasol O&S is the largest merchant producer of LAS in Europe with plants in Germany and Italy. The investment in Marl will involve the construction of two (2) falling-film sulfonation reactors and related equipment provided by Ballestra of Italy, a recognized world-leader in sulfonation technology. The resulting LAS plant will be sized appropriately to reflect the market's needs in Northern Europe and will allow Sasol O&S to further enhance its quality and service provided to European detergent customers. LAS is the workhorse surfactant which is the key ingredient in most laundry detergent formulations. Feedstock for the LAS production, Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB), will continue to come from LAB plants in Italy which are part of Sasol O&S's global leading integrated network of LAB plants with capacity of 550,000 metric tons per year. Guido Safran -- Vice President Alkylates and Surfactants states, "The investment in Marl confirms Sasol O&S's commitment to continuously invest in the LAB and LAS business to support the needs of our customers." Sasol Limited, with a market capitalization of approximately USD 17 billion, is an integrated oil and gas group with substantial chemical interests. Based in South Africa and operating in 15 other countries throughout the world, Sasol brings 50 years of unparalleled experience of producing and marketing Fischer-Tropsch transportation fuels and a wide range of chemicals. Through its Olefins & Surfactants division, Sasol has a worldwide reputation as a leading supplier and manufacturer of alcohols, surfactants and linear alkylbenzene (LAB). Contact: Gotz Lachmann Sasol Olefins & Surfactants GmbH Im Atzelnest 5 D-61352 Bad Homburg Germany Phone: +49-61-72-45-33-305 Mobile: +49-1-60-5-83-49-94 Fax: +49-61-72-45-33-350 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.sasol.com SOURCE: Sasol Olefins & Surfactants CONTACT: Gotz Lachmann of Sasol Olefins & Surfactants GmbH, +49-61-72-45-33-305, Mobile: +49-1-60-5-83-49-94, Fax: +49-61-72-45-33-350, [email protected] Web site: http://www.sasol.com --Distributed by AsiaNet (www.asianetnews.net)--