U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.3 Million for Infrastructure Improvements to Support Clean Energy Business Growth in Gonzales, Louisiana

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.3 million grant to Ascension Parish Government in Gonzales, Louisiana, for roadway infrastructure improvements at the RiverPlex MegaPark.

This grant will support clean energy business growth in the region. This EDA investment will be matched with $586,857 in local funds and is expected to create more than 450 jobs and generate $9.5 billion in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is a commitment to ensuring that communities in Louisiana and across the country have the resources needed to grow strong, resilient regional economies,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will increase growth in the clean energy sector, create quality, high-paying jobs, and increase economic opportunity for workers in the region.”

“The Economic Development Administration works closely with local communities to support place-based economic growth,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This investment in Ascension Parish will attract clean energy manufacturers and distributors, creating hundreds of jobs and developing a robust regional economy.”

“This grant represents a significant commitment from the federal government to foster clean energy business growth in Louisiana. Investing in roadway infrastructure improvements at the RiverPlex MegaPark will boost local economic diversification, create over 450 jobs, and generate an anticipated $9.5 billion of private investment. This forward-looking approach to economic resilience emphasizes regional collaboration and the EDA’s commitment to sustainable development and job creation,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02).

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Capital Region Planning Commission (CRPC). EDA funds CRPC to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

This project is funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022. Please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.
Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, edamedia@eda.gov




Ascension Parish Earns Prestigious Title of ‘Small Market of the Year’ for Exemplary Economic Development Achievements

GONZALES, LA — Ascension Economic Development Corporation is proud to announce its recent accolade of ‘Small Market of the Year’ for outstanding achievements in economic development projects in 2022, receiving commendation and recognition from Southern Business & Development magazine. This prestigious honor highlights AEDC’s commitment to driving economic growth, creating job opportunities, and fostering prosperity in the Ascension community.

“We are honored to receive this recognition, acknowledging our efforts in economic development and creating opportunities for growth,” said Kate MacArthur, President & CEO. “This achievement is a testament to the collaborative spirit of our team, partners, and stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to bring these projects to fruition.”

Helping secure Ascension’s top ranking are industrial projects that include Ascension Clean Energy’s proposed $7.5 billion clean ammonia project and the CF Industries $2 billion proposed clean ammonia project in West Ascension along with Origin Material’s $750 million carbon negative materials project and BASF’s $780 million expansion in Geismar.

Award categories are defined by population size and points are determined by project announcements in relation to population. Small Market of the Year represents a population of 50,000 to 250,000. The Baton Rouge Region gained Honorable Mention honors for Major Market of the Year in the SB&D 100 issue, for metros of 750,000 to 2.5 million residents. The state of Louisiana also received Honorable Mention honors. Cameron Parish received special recognition in the ‘Rural Market’ category (population under 50,000).

View the 2022 SB&D 100 Top Deals and Special Recognition at sb-d.com.

About AEDC
Ascension Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) is a leading force in economic development, dedicated to creating sustainable growth and fostering prosperity in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, AEDC has successfully implemented a range of projects generating over $9.1 billion in capital investment and creating over 3,000 jobs that contribute to the economic vitality of the community. Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to excellence, AEDC continues to shape the economic landscape of Ascension Parish. For more information, visit ascensionedc.com.




CF Industries Evaluating New $2 Billion Low-Carbon Ammonia Production Facility in Ascension Parish

MODESTE, La. – CF Industries Holdings, Inc., the world’s largest producer of ammonia, announced it is evaluating the feasibility of constructing a low-carbon clean ammonia production plant at its Blue Point Complex in Ascension Parish. The proposed new facility is expected to cost over $2 billion and would be developed jointly by CF Industries and POSCO Holdings, South Korea’s largest steelmaker.

If the project moves forward as outlined, CF Industries expects to create 50 direct new jobs with average annual salaries of more than $106,000, while retaining 541 current positions. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project would result in an additional 177 new indirect jobs, for a total of 227 potential new jobs in the Capital Region.

“CF Industries is a global leader in the decarbonization of industrial processes and we are excited that they are considering additional investments in Louisiana to support these efforts,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “I thank CF Industries for continuing to recognize Louisiana’s unique advantages for energy and manufacturing innovation, and look forward to supporting the creation of quality, high-paying jobs for our state’s skilled workforce if the project moves forward.”

The companies are exploring the use of autothermal reforming (ATR) ammonia production technology for the proposed facility. ATR technology, when combined with carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the ammonia production process by more than 90% compared to conventional plants without CCS.

“We believe that low-carbon ammonia will play a critical role in accelerating the world’s transition to clean energy, and this proposed new project confirms the global impact we can have in decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries,” CF Industries President and CEO Tony Will said. “We appreciate the partnership we have had with the state of Louisiana and Ascension Parish over the years as we have expanded our operations, taken industry-leading steps to decarbonize our existing assets and now as we explore new, low-carbon ammonia production capacity. We look forward to working with them further as we evaluate this proposed facility that could further the growth of decarbonized industry in the state.”

CF Industries and POSCO expect to complete an initial front-end engineering design (FEED) study on the proposed site in the second half of 2024 and make a final investment decision for the project shortly thereafter. Construction and commissioning of a new world-scale capacity ammonia plant typically takes approximately four years from that point.

“The potential location of CF Industries’ low-carbon ammonia manufacturing plant marks another significant milestone in our journey toward a sustainable future,” Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment said. “A future will offer new job opportunities and skill development that will enhance the employability of our community members and an increased tax revenue stream that will improve public services, infrastructure, safety and healthcare. Together, we’re sowing the seeds of a cleaner, greener tomorrow.”

The project under consideration is part of CF Industries’ commitment to produce ammonia for clean energy applications while decarbonizing its ammonia production process. In 2022, it announced two major projects in Louisiana; a $198.5 million plan to add carbon capture and sequestration capability to its existing ammonia production facility in Donaldsonville and a proposed $2 billion world-scale low-carbon ammonia production facility in Ascension Parish.

“In Ascension Parish, we embrace innovation and progress,” said Kate MacArthur, President and CEO, Ascension Economic Development Corporation. “We are thrilled that CF Industries and POSCO are considering this opportunity here. This project not only promises economic growth but also underscores our dedication to preserving our environment for generations to come.”

To support the project in Ascension, the state of Louisiana has prepared a competitive incentives package that would include the comprehensive workforce development solutions of LED FastStart and a $3 million performance-based grant for infrastructure and project development contingent upon meeting capital investment and payroll targets. The company is also expected to participate in the state’s Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs if the project moves forward as planned.

“We are thrilled CF Industries is considering another major investment in Louisiana’s Capital Region with its proposed new low-carbon ammonia facility,” said Adam Knapp, Baton Rouge Area Chamber President and CEO. “Committed to accelerating the world’s transition to clean energy, CF Industries’ continued consideration showcases our region’s ability to lead on the future of energy.”

About CF Industries
CF Industries’ mission is to provide clean energy to feed and fuel the world sustainably. With employees focused on safe and reliable operations, environmental stewardship and disciplined capital and corporate management, it is on a path to decarbonize ammonia production network – the world’s largest – to enable green and blue hydrogen and nitrogen products for energy, fertilizer, emissions abatement and other industrial activities. Manufacturing complexes in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, an unparalleled storage, transportation and distribution network in North America and logistics capabilities enabling a global reach underpin the company’s strategy to leverage unique capabilities to accelerate the world’s transition to clean energy. Learn more at CFIndustries.com.




Monarch Energy Proposes $426 Million Investment to Create Carbon-Free Hydrogen Production Facility in Ascension Parish

Monarch Energy, an energy company focused on decarbonizing the hydrogen production process, announced it is exploring building a $426 million facility in Ascension Parish. The company estimates the proposed facility would employ a carbon-free process to manufacture 120,000 kilograms of hydrogen per day to be sold as a “green” feedstock for a wide range of industrial and chemical processes.

If the project moves forward as outlined, Monarch Energy expects to create 44 new direct jobs with an average annual salary of more than $63,000. It also anticipates the creation of about 300 construction jobs at peak construction. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project would result in an additional 105 new indirect jobs, for a total of 149 potential new jobs in the Capital Region.

“Monarch Energy’s commitment to decarbonizing hydrogen production aligns perfectly with Louisiana’s all-of-the-above energy strategy,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “If this project moves forward, it will provide another economic boost to the Capital Region, create good-paying jobs and further solidify Louisiana’s standing as the first choice for energy innovation investment.”

Monarch Energy plans to utilize electrolysis, the use of electricity to break down water into hydrogen and oxygen, in the manufacturing process. This would qualify the hydrogen as “green” or no-carbon because its production would not release carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

“We are pleased to be working with LED to develop a project that supports the local community by bringing investment and jobs to the region,” Monarch Energy CEO Ben Alingh said. “We are looking forward to adding to the legacy of the local industrial community of Ascension Parish and helping to support the energy transition.”

The company expects to make a final investment decision and begin construction in 2025. It anticipates commercial operations to commence in 2027.

“Being considered for the future home of Monarch’s green hydrogen plant isn’t just about embracing new technology; it’s about nurturing a thriving workforce and fostering a sustainable community,” said Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment. “Our enthusiasm today will fuel careers and innovation for years to come.”

To support the project in Ascension, the state of Louisiana has prepared a competitive incentives package that would include the comprehensive workforce development solutions of LED FastStart and a $500,000 performance-based forgivable loan from the Economic Development Award Program for site and infrastructure improvements. If the project moves forward, the company is expected to participate in the state’s Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.

“Economic prosperity fused with environmental stewardship – that’s the promise of investments in clean technology,” said Ascension Economic Development Corporation president and CEO Kate MacArthur. “We’re excited about Monarch Energy’s project and look forward to working together to transform possibility into prosperity.”

“Monarch Energy’s consideration of a new green hydrogen facility is an exciting addition to the transitional energy cluster developing through the Baton Rouge Carbon Reduction Alliance and the H2theFuture coalition across south Louisiana,” said Adam Knapp, Baton Rouge Area Chamber president & CEO. “We look forward to working alongside Monarch Energy and our Ascension Parish partners to move this project forward, and show the world that Louisiana is ground zero for net zero projects.”

Register to be notified about job opportunities, hiring events and news updates with Monarch Energy here.

About Monarch Energy
Monarch Energy develops green hydrogen and electro-fuels projects with a specialization in hydrogen electrolysis and clean energy. The company was founded in 2021 with a mission to transform today’s hydrogen supply chain by utilizing clean molecules derived from water and zero carbon electricity. Monarch is developing a pipeline of projects containing over four GW of future installed electrolyzer capacity across the U.S. and reduces its customers’ environmental footprint by providing clean alternatives to legacy feedstocks. Learn more at monarch.energy/




Celebrating Collaboration: Local Industry Champions Featured in Inspiring Video Series Promoting Community Involvement and Business Impact

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JULY 28, 2023
Contact Information: Kate MacArthur, kmacarthur@ascensionedc.com, 225-644-1750

Celebrating Collaboration: Local Industry Champions Featured in Inspiring Video Series Promoting Community Involvement and Business Impact

GONZALES, LA — In a groundbreaking endeavor to shed light on the profound impact of industrial businesses on our community, Ascension Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) proudly presents a captivating video series. Through this compelling collection, viewers will gain insight into the valuable tax benefits of manufacturing which directly supports crucial community services. Furthermore, the series underscores businesses’ commitment to sustainability and their shared responsibility for the environment and highlights the significance of transparency in industrial environmental monitoring and permitting. Additionally, the videos illuminate the immense value of volunteerism in the public school system, showcasing the inspiring contributions that local industries and employees make to nurture educational excellence and empower the leaders of tomorrow. As these stories unfold, a clear narrative emerges – one that emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between industrial businesses and the well-being of the community they serve.

“AEDC is thrilled to offer this in-depth exploration, underscoring the vital role of manufacturers in bolstering community services, fostering eco-friendly practices, and promoting volunteer engagement in schools” said Kate MacArthur, President & CEO. Through these videos, we aim to foster greater understanding and collaboration among residents, businesses, and educational institutions, united in our dedication to creating a thriving and sustainable future for all.”
To watch the videos, please visit our website at https://ascensionedc.com/aedc-impact-of-industry-video-series/. Together, let’s continue fostering a thriving and interconnected community with shared values and a commitment to progress. Join us in celebrating the impactful contributions of industrial businesses in Ascension Parish.

About AEDC
Ascension Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) was created in 2005 with the sole mission of maximizing economic opportunity in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. AEDC’s project work has generated over $9.1 billion in capital investment and created and retained 3,224 jobs in the parish. For more information, visit ascensionedc.com.




Discover why Ascension is the Clean Energy Capital

Ascension Parish is emerging as a leader in the clean energy sector. Download this informative pdf to learn more and contact us today to become part of the Ascension business community.




Element 25 Proposes EV Battery Materials Facility in Ascension Parish

Australia-based company’s $480 million investment would create 628 new Capital Region jobs

BATON ROUGE, La. – Element 25, an Australian mining company, announced it is exploring plans to invest $480 million across two phases to build a high-purity manganese sulfate monohydrate production facility in Ascension Parish. The new facility would be the first in the Western Hemisphere to manufacture HPMSM, a critical component in electric vehicle batteries.

If the facility is constructed, the company expects to create up to 220 new direct jobs with average annual salaries of more than $90,000. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project would result in an additional 408 new indirect jobs, for approximately 628 new jobs in the Capital Region.

“Louisiana’s emergence as a national leader in clean energy investment is no accident,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “It is the result of our state’s commitment to climate action and an economic development strategy that emphasizes an all-of-the-above approach to energy. Companies like Element 25 see the strategic advantages of doing business in our state, from top-notch logistics to our skilled, dynamic workforce.”

Element 25 plans to import raw materials from its Butcherbird Mine in western Australia, while many of the remaining HPMSM inputs would be sourced from Louisiana companies. Element 25’s production process results in three reusable by-product streams which can be repurposed as fertilizer feedstocks, steel manufacturing and other industrial operations. As a result, the facility is able to minimize its solid and liquid wastes.

“Element 25 is excited to consider Louisiana in progressing our vision to build the first new HPMSM facility outside of China to supply the EV transition,” Element 25 Limited MD Justin Brown said. “The attractive incentives offered by the state fast tracked approvals processes and the far-reaching impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, has moved Louisiana to the number one location for Element 25’s first HPMSM facility, with other developments expected to follow.”

The company has completed a feasibility study for prospective sites and expects to make a final decision on the location in the coming months. Construction on the new facility is anticipated to begin in the third quarter of 2023 with operations projected to start in 2026.

“Ascension Parish has an exceptional workforce, robust infrastructure and a thriving business community,” said Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment. “We’re pleased that these compelling location attributes led Element 25 to consider Ascension for their first United States manufacturing plant. This project would provide a remarkable amount of local employment opportunities in a growing sector of the clean energy industry.”

The state of Louisiana has offered Element 25 a competitive incentives package to support a final decision in Louisiana. The offer includes the comprehensive workforce development solutions of LED FastStart and a $6 million performance-based grant for reimbursement of infrastructure expenditures, contingent upon the company meeting employment and payroll targets. The company is also expected to apply for the state’s Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.

“We are always looking to build on our success by creating new partnerships,” Ascension Economic Development Corp. President and CEO Kate MacArthur said. “Combining process inputs from our well-established chemical and industrial gas manufacturers with Element 25’s technology will help create a sustainable operation to supply the rapidly growing electric vehicle supply chain in the United States while continuing to grow our local economy.”

“Element 25’s interest in Louisiana’s Capital Region is a testament to the area’s booming transitional energy sector,” said Adam Knapp, Baton Rouge Area Chamber president and CEO. “We have seen over $28 billion in announced or planned transitional energy projects in the region since 2020, and as a leader in sustainable metal production, E25 expands on that recent growth. We are extending a huge congratulations to our partners in Ascension Parish for the fantastic work and vision to move this project closer to fruition.”

About Element 25
Element 25 is an ASX listed company operating the Butcherbird Manganese Project in Western Australia and developing high purity manganese sulfate monohydrate products for traditional and new energy markets. It aims to become an industry leading, world class, low-carbon battery materials manufacturer. Learn more at www.element25.com.au.




Marucci Sports announced plans to develop a distribution center in Geismar.

Baton Rouge-based Marucci Sports today announced plans to develop a 100,000-square-foot distribution center at the new Rivermark 185 Industrial and Logistics Park in Geismar.

In its announcement, Marucci says it has outgrown its existing distribution capacity on Siegen Lane. Marucci will be the anchor tenant of Rivermark 185, which will have 200,000 square feet of space.

“This expansion is vital to our continued success. This new facility will allow us to gain efficiencies and fuel our mission of getting the best gear into the hands of today’s elite athletes,” says Marucci co-founder and CEO Kurt Ainsworth, in a prepared statement.

Marucci Sports’ headquarters will remain on McCann Drive, flanked by the Marucci Clubhouse, a baseball and softball training facility and retail store facing Siegen Lane.

Product testing and innovation will remain at its headquarters, with the addition of the Baseball Performance Lab and Marucci’s wood bat manufacturing operation.

Founded in 2009, Marucci was sold to Compass Diversified Holdings for $200 million in 2020.




Energy Start-Up Proposes $7.5 Billion Investment in Ascension Parish, 350 new direct jobs

DONALDSONVILLE, La. – Clean Hydrogen Works, a project development company established in 2021 that is focused on energy decarbonization solutions, announced it is exploring a plan to build a large-scale hydrogen-ammonia production and export facility in Ascension Parish.

Doing business as Ascension Clean Energy (ACE), in partnership with Denbury Carbon Solutions and Hafnia, the company estimates the proposed $7.5 billion project would create 350 new direct jobs with an estimated average annual salary of $73,412 by 2030. If the project moves forward as outlined, Louisiana Economic Development estimates 1,122 new indirect jobs would result, for 1,472 total potential new jobs in the Capital Region.

“Louisiana’s emergence as a leader in the energy transition has attracted major investments from legacy companies as well as prospective investments from newer ventures like Clean Hydrogen Works, and that’s good news for our state,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “We will continue to work with our local and regional partners to support economic development that diversifies our energy and manufacturing sectors, creates good-paying jobs and moves us toward our goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.”

The ACE project plan envisions production of 7.2 million tons of ammonia annually on a 1,700-acre RiverPlex MegaPark site on the west bank of the Mississippi River in Donaldsonville. Utilizing carbon capture and sequestration processes to reduce emissions would produce “blue ammonia,” a product anticipated to be in high demand as a clean energy feedstock in global markets.

Denbury would transport the captured CO2 emissions through its existing pipeline network to one of its planned sequestration sites for deep underground storage. Hafnia would export the ammonia produced at the facility to emerging energy markets overseas.

“We are enthusiastic about the potential to bring this transformational project to Ascension Parish, which has an ideal location with existing infrastructure,” Clean Hydrogen Works Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Mitch Silver said. “Utilizing clean hydrogen-ammonia production to meet the global demand for carbon-free affordable energy, Ascension Clean Energy aligns with Louisiana’s Climate Action Plan, specifically the state’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2050.”

Clean Hydrogen Works said it hopes to make a final investment decision and begin construction in 2024, which would allow the initial phase of production to commence in 2027. The company estimates 1,500 construction jobs would be created at the peak of construction.

“The financial impact of construction and new permanent jobs on the west bank of Ascension would be incredible and transformative,” Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment said. “This potential $7.5 billion project would spur additional revitalization in service and retail businesses as well as new residential growth around the city of Donaldsonville.”

To attract the project, the state has prepared a competitive incentive package that would include the services of LED FastStart, Louisiana’s nationally acclaimed workforce development program. At the appropriate time, the company may also utilize the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption and Quality Jobs programs. Additionally, if a final investment decision is made, Clean Hydrogen Works would be eligible for a performance-based award of up to $7 million to reimburse dock infrastructure expenses, payable over five years upon verification of job and payroll targets and river service infrastructure requirements being met.

“Clean Hydrogen Works would be a valuable addition to the RiverPlex MegaPark,” said Kate MacArthur, President and CEO of Ascension Economic Development Corp. “Their commitment to training and hiring locally would allow Ascension Parish residents an opportunity to work in the clean energy sector and be a part of a more sustainable future for the next generation.”

“Clean energy economic development projects are booming in Louisiana’s Capital Region,” said Adam Knapp, president and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. “We are thrilled to see Clean Hydrogen Works exploring our region for a world-scale clean hydrogen-ammonia production and export facility. We applaud our partners in Ascension Parish for their continued pursuit of clean energy projects and growing the transitional energy industry.”

About Clean Hydrogen Works
Ascension Clean Energy (ACE) project majority shareholder Clean Hydrogen Works (CHW) is a sustainability-focused, commercially oriented project developer with extensive experience in developing integrated energy value chains. Established in early 2021, CHW is led by an experienced team of project executives from leading global energy companies. Developing integrated clean hydrogen-ammonia value chains optimized for low-cost and low carbon, CHW is helping to meet the world’s growing energy needs with a secure, affordable, and sustainable energy supply at scale. Clean hydrogen and ammonia as a hydrogen carrier will play critical roles in the global energy transition by complementing renewables to decarbonize critical sectors including marine, power, industrial, and heavy transport. For more information, visit CleanHydrogenWorks.com.




Lion Elastomers Announces $22 Million Expansion of Geismar Plant

GEISMAR, La. – Synthetic rubber manufacturer Lion Elastomers has invested $22 million to construct a new multi-level production building housing two new finishing lines at its manufacturing facility in Ascension Parish.

The expansion will increase production capacity at the plant, which supports the supply chains of automobile tire manufacturers and production of a broad range of other rubber goods. With the reinvestment in its Geismar plant, Lion Elastomers will retain 176 Capital Region jobs.

“Lion’s Geismar manufacturing facility has provided jobs for Louisiana’s skilled workers for nearly 60 years,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “The company’s commitment to update and expand its operation ensures that those jobs will remain in Ascension Parish for many years to come. Once again, we see the strength of Louisiana’s manufacturing sector, and the important role our state plays in the manufacture of consumer goods used around the world.”

The Geismar facility began operations in 1964 as the United States Rubber Company, later becoming Uniroyal Chemical Company and then Chemtura. Lion Elastomers, which also has manufacturing facilities in Port Neches and Orange, Texas, purchased the site in 2007.

“Louisiana and Ascension Parish are favorable locations for investment due to a strong workforce, availability of raw materials and utilities, and central location to distribute products to North American and international markets,” said Steve Isaacs, Director of Process Technology and Optimization. “This project will strengthen Lion Elastomers’ manufacturing position, enhance quality and service for EPDM consumers, and protect and/or expand jobs at the Geismar site.”

Lion Elastomers began construction on the new 8,405-square-foot structure in Q3 2021. The company says it has achieved substantial completion and is in the commissioning phase, with full commercial production to follow before the end of the year.

To secure the project, the State of Louisiana offered Lion Elastomers an incentive package that includes a performance-based $375,000 Retention and Modernization grant.

“The importance of the Highway 30 corridor cannot be overstated,” said Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment. “By investing in its Geismar facility and sustaining the local workforce, Lion ensures continued growth in a thriving industrial area supported by the parish, region and state.”

About Lion Elastomers
Lion Elastomers is a premier manufacturer of elastomeric polymers and a business partner of choice for its customers when they take on complex business challenges of today. Read more at LionElastomers.com.