Shell Chemical LP will build a new linear alpha olefins manufacturing unit at the company’s Ascension Parish, LA complex. The project will include a $717 million capital investment and create 20 new direct jobs, with an average annual salary of $104,000, plus benefits, while retaining 650 existing jobs at Shell Geismar. In addition, Louisiana Economic Development (LED) estimates the project will result in 93 new indirect jobs, for a total of more than 110 new jobs in the Capital Region and surrounding areas. The company estimates the project will generate 1,000 construction jobs at peak building activity.
The manufacturing unit will produce alpha olefins, chemicals that are used to produce a variety of consumer and industrial products including plastics, synthetic lubricants, drilling fluids and household detergents. The linear alpha olefins unit will generate 425 kilotons per year, making Shell Geismar the largest alpha olefins production site in the world. Construction will begin during the first quarter of 2016, and the unit is expected to begin operations in 2018.
The Ascension Parish project will be the fourth alpha olefins unit at Shell Chemical’s Geismar plant, which has been in operation since 1967.
“This expansion project is great news for Shell’s Geismar site and the region,” said Shell Geismar General Manager Rhoman Hardy. “We are now focused on the safe and efficient integration of this high-value project into the plant’s day-to-day operations. Shell remains a vital economic engine in this region, and a good corporate neighbor for years to come.”
The alpha olefins unit will be constructed within the 800-acre Shell Geismar site. The plant is located at River Road and Louisiana 3251, on the east bank of the Mississippi River.
“We are extremely pleased about Shell Chemical’s commitment to continue to grow its Ascension Parish assets,” said Ascension Parish President Tommy Martinez. “Shell Chemical is one of Ascension’s best corporate citizens. We not only appreciate the jobs it provides but also the corporate support and volunteer spirit of its employees.”
LED began discussing a potential project with the company in November 2013. To secure the project, the state offered a competitive incentive package that includes the LED FastStart® workforce development program. The company is also expected to utilize Louisiana’s Enterprise Zone and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.
“Over the past half-century, Shell Chemical in Geismar has amassed an impressive track record of providing quality jobs in the production of chemicals for consumer and industrial uses across our economy, “ said Gov. Bobby Jindal. “We are proud to see Shell Chemical build on that success with the addition of yet another alpha olefins unit. This $717 million project reflects the best of our efforts to make Louisiana’s business climate one of the best in the country and around the globe.”
