Analysts say the market should be up again by the time his olefins project goes on stream.

CNN: T TAKES SOME NERVE

His latest deal: a venture with the United Kingdom's Trans Pacific Petrochemical to build Indonesia's second olefins plant.

CNN: T TAKES SOME NERVE

One recent chemicals initiative is Sasol Alpha Olefins, which makes octene, used in detergents, and hexene, used in cellophane.

FORBES: Overcoming Isolation

The Olefins segment manufactures and markets ethylene, polyethylene, styrene and associated co-products.

FORBES: #1,487 Westlake Chemical

Exxon Mobil is a major manufacturer and marketer of basic petrochemicals, including olefins, aromatics, polyethylene and polypropylene plastics and a wide variety of specialty products.

FORBES: Dow Ideas: Dupont, Boeing, Exxon And Chevron

It operates its business through two segments: Olefins and Vinyls.

FORBES: #1,487 Westlake Chemical