Westlake Chemical Corporation announced that it will expand its ethylene capacity and make other capital improvements in Lake Charles, LA with an investment in excess of $330 million. This expansion is expected to be completed in late 2015 or early 2016 and will increase ethane-based ethylene capacity by approximately 250 million pounds annually.In addition to the 480 employee and 115 core contractor jobs that will be retained at the site, Westlake will add an additional 25 new direct jobs. This expansion is expected to create an estimated 1,000 construction jobs at peak activity.
Albert Chao, President & Chief Executive Officer commented, "Westlake Chemical has enjoyed a long and rewarding relationship with Louisiana since our inception in Lake Charles in 1986. 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 Corporation is an international manufacturer and supplier 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 including pipe and specialty components, windows and fence.
