Chinese Firm Plans $1.25B Chemical Complex in Louisiana

Chinese firm Wanhua Chemical Group Co. Ltd. has selected the St. James Parish community in Convent, LA as the site for its planned $1.25 billion chemical complex, the company and Louisiana Economic Development (LED) announced last Friday. 

The 250-acre site will produce methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) for end users in a wide range of industries including furniture, automotive parts and electronics. About 170 new direct jobs will be created as a result of the project. 

“Wanhua looks forward to being part of the Louisiana business community and the local community. Our desire to be a good industry neighbor will be evident in our focus on workforce development, local hiring, and our commitment to safe and environmentally responsible operations,” said Wanhua Chemical U.S. Operations LLC Chief Executive Officer Zengtai Liao in a LED press release.

An incentive package that includes training programs and a $4.3 million performance-based grant were given to the company by the state of Louisiana to attract the Chinese company’s investment. 

State officials and the Chinese firm initially announced plans to build a chemical complex in Louisiana in April 2017, Powder & Bulk Solids reported. Wanhua initially said it intended to invest $1.12 billion in the site. 

Construction on the Convent complex is slated to commence next year and wrap up by the end of 2021. Wanhua currently produces MDI at sites in China and Hungary. 

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