Chevron, W.R. Grace plan $135 million expansion in Lake Charles

Chevron Products Co. and W.R. Grace & Co. will invest $135 million to expand the existing Grace manufacturing facility outside Lake Charles.

Gov. Bobby Jindal and W.R. Grace & Co. CEO Fred Festa announced the planned expansion Monday (May 18) in a news release.

The project, overseen by Advanced Refining Technologies, a joint venture of the two companies, is expected to create 295 jobs at the site. In addition, Advanced Refining Technologies will add 30 new jobs.

Grace currently makes alumina, sodium silicate, industrial catalysts and other chemical products at the 120-acre manufacturing facility southwest of Lake Charles. The plant has been in operation since 1953.

Grace and Chevron will build a plant to produce residue hydroprocessing catalysts, which are used during the refining process to convert crude oil to fuel. The companies will also add alumina capacity at the site.

State officials have worked with Advanced Refining Technologies since last March to secure the expansion project.

The joint venture will take advantage of state incentives, including a $2.4 million modernization tax credit claimed over five years. It is also expected to use state exemptions for industrial taxes and jobs created.

Advanced Refining Technologies will begin hiring when construction starts later this year. The project is expected to create 190 construction jobs at its peak.

Expansion work will be completed in early 2018.