$717M Geismar Plant Breaks Ground

Shell Chemical LP has launched construction on its $717 million linear alpha olefins manufacturing plant in Geismar, LA. Upon its completion in early 2018, the factory will be the largest single-site producer of alpha olefins in the world.

Linear alpha olefins are used in several products such as synthetic motor oil, packaging plastics lubricants and automotive additives, as the alkanes have a terminal double bond between first and second carbon atoms.

Shell Chemical already has a presence in Geismar at SH75. The new plant will be the fourth on the company’s 800-acre site to produce alpha olefins. Shell Chemical has operated on the site since 1967.