ABOUT US - HISTORY

Chemex, LLC, a California Company, was founded in Bakersfield, California in 1975. Operations include the manufacture and sale of oil & gas production equipment, and the design, construction and sale of small crude oil refineries and related process units.

Many smaller North American refineries ceased operations in the 1980's and 1990's as a result of diminishing crude supplies in landlocked locations, dwindling margins and tougher environmental regulations. Recognizing an opportunity, Chemex redirected its focus to the procurement of quality used refineries, refinery equipment, and oil and gas production equipment for the purpose of refurbishment and reinstallation. Chemex's revised focus resulted in dismantling, selling, and exporting surplus refinery units and other process equipment to overseas clients. Chemex's clients were able to realize both a cost and time savings by installing refurbished refineries.

By the late 1990's, the majority of the smaller closed refineries (1,000 to 20,000 barrels per day) had been refurbished and relocated overseas. To keep pace with the demand for these units, Chemex acquired Val Verde, a company that since 1974 has specialized in the design and manufacture of mini-refineries. Chemex now offers modular Val Verde mini-refineries sized from 625 to 20,000 barrels per day. These process units are specifically designed for efficient processing of various crudes into motor fuels and fuel oil.

Chemex currently fabricates the modular, skid-mounted process units in its United States shops located in Bakersfield, California and packages them for shipment from the Port of Houston, Texas. Chemex can contract to install and commission these units if desired by the client.

Chemex has at any given time various individual crude and refined products process units in inventory. Chemex also maintains a large inventory of individual refinery equipment at its shops such as pumps, heat exchangers, air coolers and pressure vessels.

In 2006 Chemex was purchased by Cowhouse Partners, LLC a Utah-based engineering company.

The principals of the Cowhouse Partners, LLC believed Chemex could better meet customer needs by introducing custom designed refining units. This process starts with simulation based on a design feedstock to yield the desired product slate. Design, purchasing and fabrication follow thereafter.

The principals further believe that the concept can be implemented in any location. This philosophy proved true when the current management erected a refinery on the barren ground of the desert in the Western United States. The closest town was 70 miles distant, yet the employees of this project, formerly miners, farmers, mechanics and truck drivers, were able to learn the skills of refinery operators.

Chemex has deployed this philosophy in both the African and Asian continents. The refineries deployed are still in service to this day. These projects provide an oasis of clean water and power were none existed before.