Nova Chemicals plans to invest $300 million to expand production and upgrade its facilities in the Lambton-Sarnia region of southwestern Ontario, Canada.

The company is one of North America's largest producers of polyethylene, the single largest plastic used globally. The firm supplies a range of downstream manufacturing applications, including rigid and flexible packaging, containers, plastic bags, plastic pipe, consumer electronics, building and construction materials, housewares and other industrial and consumer goods.

The planned investment represents the next phase of NOVA Chemicals' long-term growth strategy. It will help the company expand ethylene production capacity at its Corunna site and upgrade its Moore polyethylene production facility. The investment is expected to sustain approximately 1,000 direct full-time and contractor jobs and will build on previous investments the company has made, the province said.

"I applaud NOVA Chemicals for their $300 million job creating investment in the Sarnia-Lambton area. This is a vote of confidence for Ontario and for the manufacturing sector that is so important to the region and our economy,” said Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Employment.

“NOVA Chemicals is showing strong support for Ontario and specifically Sarnia-Lambton's chemical and allied manufacturing cluster by making this investment. Their investment shows our province is a competitive destination for global companies like NOVA Chemicals,” the provincial minister said. “The company is a key partner and anchor company in the Sarnia region and we are committed to maintaining our strong working relationship. Attracting investment to Ontario is part of the government's economic plan to create jobs by supporting a dynamic and innovative business climate."