NYSE-listed Westlake Chemical Corp said it will invest more than $330 million to expand ethylene capacity and make other capital improvements at its Lake Charles facility in Louisiana.
Once the expansion, which is expected to be completed in late 2015 or early 2016, will hike ethane-based ethylene annual capacity, by approximately 250 million pounds.
Westlake said that in addition to the current 480 employees and 115 core contractor jobs, it will add an additional 25 new direct jobs.
It also added that this expansion is expected to create an estimated 1,000 construction jobs at peak activity.
"Westlake Chemical has enjoyed a long and rewarding relationship with Louisiana since our inception in Lake Charles in 1986,” CEO - Albert Chao said.
He added, “Since then, we have seen our footprint grow substantially. Our Louisiana operations are a vital hub for the enterprise and we look forward to a continued beneficial partnership in the future."
Westlake Chemical is global producer of petrochemicals, polymers and building products with headquarters in Houston, Texas.
The company's range of products includes: ethylene, polyethylene, styrene, propylene, caustic, VCM, PVC resin and PVC building products. (AR)
