Our Oleochemical Manufacturing Hub
Vantage is a leading U.S. manufacturer of high-quality bio-based oleochemicals – essential ingredients in a wide range of consumer and industrial applications. As the nation’s largest domestic merchant producer of oleochemical fatty acids and derivatives from our site in the U.S. Midwest, we leverage a flexible slate of vegetable- and animal-based feedstocks to create customized solutions that meet diverse formulation needs. Our 34-acre facility, located in Chicago’s historic Stockyards neighborhood, has a deep-rooted history of evolution and growth. Originally a small rendering operation, the site was acquired by Unilever in 1985, marking the beginning of a transformation fueled by more than $225 million in capital investments. Since becoming the original Vantage manufacturing hub in 2008, we’ve expanded further with important upgrades including a food-grade kosher glycerin facility, a fatty acids separation facility and an expanded storage tank infrastructure.
Home to more than 100 dedicated employees across production, maintenance, utilities, research & development, quality, commercial and technical support roles, Vantage Chicago plays a crucial role in our supply chain security. Served by both railcar and road, our central location ensures reliable delivery to customers across the country.
Flexibility is at the heart of what we do. With flexible feedstock capabilities and deep technical and application expertise, we consistently deliver superior product performance and quality that aligns with customer specifications. As a leading merchant producer of bio-based intermediates, our modern, highly automated manufacturing facilities support continuous production, ensuring consistent and reliable supply.
Fatty Acids and their Derivatives
Fatty acids are fundamental building blocks used across countless consumer and industrial products – from crayons and candles to shampoos, lubricants, skincare, agriculture and pharmaceuticals. Produced by splitting natural vegetable oils and animal fats, these versatile chemicals quietly power everyday life. As the largest U.S.-based supplier of high-quality fatty acids and their derivatives, Vantage crafts products from a wide range of natural sources including vegetable (soy, canola, jojoba, palm, corn and coconut) oils and beef tallow. Vantage fatty acids, including VSTEARIN™ stearic acid, VOLEIC™ oleic acid, VDISTILL™ Fatty Acids and VYCERIN™ glycerin are distinguished by their sustainable sourcing, regulatory excellence and technical innovation.
Learn more about Vantage fatty acids
Investing for Quality and Sustainability
As one of our largest manufacturing hubs, Vantage Chicago has maintained OSHA’s (Occupational Health & Safety Administration) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) Star Status since 2006. The VPPs promote effective worksite-based safety and health. Approval into VPP is OHSA’s official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health at their site.
