An important part of the big success of the new HR 500 series hydrotreatment catalysts is the carrier, made from the alumina gel produced at the Axens site at Savannah, Georgia USA.

Savannah was founded as an English colony in 1733. The

city was designed with a unique system of squares, which are actually miniature parks. The 23 squares are surrounded by well preserved historic homes, churches and businesses. Savannah has been rated one of the best walking cities in the United States, mainly due the layout of its large historic center and waterfront area.
Today, the port at Savannah is one of the largest on the east coast,
supporting several large industries in the southeast.

This alumina gel facility was opened by Acreon Catalysts, a joint venture of Procatalyse and Engelhard, in May, 1997. The proximity to the Engelhard plant enables significant manufacturing support and efficiencies. The Engelhard share of the joint venture was purchased by Procatalyse in 1999, and the alumina plant became a part of Procatalyse USA. The alumina plant became a part of Axens North America in 2002.