Lacassine Operating Company will invest $12.5 million to construct a catalyst blending plant in Lacassine, Louisiana.

With the new project, Lacassine Operating will create 40 new jobs. Lacassine Operating is a newly formed partner company of Equilibrium Catalyst Inc. Designed to serve oil refineries throughout the world, the catalyst plant will become the anchor tenant of the Lacassine Rail Terminal operated by Rail Logix in Jefferson Davis Parish.

Lacassine Rail Terminal is a state-of-the-art industrial park developed by National Property Holdings and operated by Rail Logix.

Strategically positioned along Interstate 10 at the midpoint between Houston and New Orleans gateways, Lacassine Rail Terminal is projected to ultimately support more than 2,300 railcar storage spots. Rail Logix, which began operating the terminal in October 2018, already has installed 450 unit train-capable interchange spots and 500 railcar storage spots to serve the 400 acres of rail-served property available to customers for lease or purchase.

“Equilibrium Catalyst has served Louisiana oil refineries for many years, and we welcome the arrival of its affiliated company here with this catalyst blending plant,” Governor John Bel Edwards said. “Its location at the Lacassine Rail Terminal is a good example of how Louisiana’s logistics assets can work for business. With industrial clients in Louisiana, Texas and across the world, the company is well-positioned to grow and thrive here.”

Founded in 1992 in New Orleans and based in Houston, Equilibrium Catalyst is the world’s leading provider of catalyst-related services in the fluid catalytic cracking category.

“Equilibrium Catalyst is growing along with the Louisiana energy economy, and we are happy to launch our Lacassine Operating Co. at this excellent new facility,” Lacassine Operating Company CEO Van Eversull said. “Louisiana is a great place for industries such as ours to do business. With the unique logistical advantages that we’re getting via Rail Logix here, we’re looking forward to a successful operation serving our clients near and far.”

To secure the project, LED offered Lacassine Operating a competitive incentive package that includes the comprehensive workforce solutions of LED FastStart, a top-rated state workforce training program. The company also is expected to utilize the state’s Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.

“The Lacassine Industrial Park is the catalyst attracting businesses to Jeff Davis Parish,” said President & CEO Marion “Butch” Fox of the parish Economic Development and Tourist Commission. “Rail Logix provided the rail infrastructure and management and the Lacassine Operating Co. catalyst facility is taking advantage of these assets. Jeff Davis Parish will reap the benefit with quality jobs and millions of dollars of investment by both companies.”

“The SWLA Economic Development Alliance is pleased that Equilibrium Catalyst will locate at the Lacassine Industrial Park,” said President & CEO George Swift of the SWLA Economic Development Alliance. “Marion Fox has worked tirelessly to make this happen and we congratulate her on this successful project. Jeff Davis has much potential and as part of the Southwest Region, we are always interested in creating good jobs in this area of the state. There is much potential at Lacassine.”

“Combining a strategic infrastructure with a highly skilled workforce, Lacassine is an ideal location for Equilibrium Catalyst to invest,” said President & CEO Troy Wayman of One Acadiana. “This announcement demonstrates that Jeff Davis Parish and South Louisiana is a perfect place for business to thrive.”