Chemical maker LyondellBasell has announced its plan to build new high density polyethylene (HDPE) plant in La Porte, Texas, US.
The plant, which will feature LyondellBasell's new Hyperzone PE technology, will produce ethylene, propylene, linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
The plant is expected to have an annual capacity of 1.1 billion pounds.
The LLDPE, LDPE and HDPE are thermoplastics used to manufacture plastic products including bottles, bags, containers, toys, food packaging, healthcare articles, automotive applications and industrial packaging.
LyondellBasell said that the La Porte complex will be the primary location for its Acetyls business with an integrated chain of manufacturing units producing methanol, acetic acid and vinyl acetate monomer (VAM).
Scheduled to be commissioned in 2019, the project will create up to 1,000 jobs during construction phase and 75 full time jobs.
The company plans to commence construction on the plant in early 2017.
LyondellBasell CEO Bob Patel said: "This project represents the next generation of technology.”
"This location is ideal for this facility because of the feedstock advantage we enjoy, the ability to ship product around the world and, most importantly, the outstanding workforce that the Gulf Coast has to offer."
The new HDPE plant is estimated to cost $700m, reported Houston Chronicle.
LyondellBasell currently produces a total of 3.5 million metric tons of HDPE annually. It also produces all forms of PE with an annual capacity of 6 million metric tons.
