The Union Oracle
The unit – what will be the fourth added to Shell’s Geismar plant – has the capacity to produce up to 425 kilotons of alpha olefins per year, making the Geismar site one of the largest olefins producers in the world, according to the release.
The new manufacturing unit will produce what are known as linear alpha olefins, chemicals used to produce a range of consumer and industrial products from plastics and lubricants to household detergents and oil and gas drilling fluids. The new capacity brings the total AO production at Shell’s Geismar site to more than 1.3 MMtpy. “With the investment in new, profitablefacilities, Shell Chemicals is well placed to respond to increased global customer demand for linear alpha olefins”.
Construction of the new unit will begin in the first quarter of 2016.
“This expansion project is great news for Shell’s Geismar site and the region”, Hardy said. 3251 on the east bank of the Mississippi River. “We are proud to see Shell Chemical build on that success”. “We not only appreciate the jobs it provides but also the corporate support and volunteer spirit of its employees”.
Louisiana economic development officials began talks with Shell about a potential project in November 2013.
Shell did not immediately comment on project costs. To secure the project, the state offered a competitive incentive package that includes the comprehensive solutions of LED FastStart® – the nation’s No. 1 state workforce development program.
The industrial tax exemption program abates local property taxes on a new investment for up to 10 years.
“Shell Chemical’s expansion is illustrative of the vibrancy of the regional economy, as well as the continued strength of the petrochemical industry”, Baton Rouge Area Chamber President and CEO Adam Knapp said.