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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Westlake Chemical Expands Calvert City, Kentucky, Manufacturing Facility

10/27/2014
Westlake Chemical, a global petrochemical and building products manufacturer and supplier, spent in excess of $300 million to expand its chemical facility in Marshall County, Kentucky.

The investment in Calvert City included expanding ethylene production capacity and converting Westlake’s feedstock from propane to ethane to leverage low cost ethane being developed in regional shale gas areas. Additionally, PVC resin capacity has been increased to meet the growing demands of global customers.

“We have enjoyed a long and rewarding relationship with Kentucky, operating since 1990 in Calvert City,” said Westlake Chemical President/CEO Albert Chao. “We have seen our footprint grow substantially during this time and have invested approximately $1 billion in our Calvert City operations. With the recent development in shale technology, which increased the availability of ethane, we saw an opportunity to take advantage of this cost advantaged feedstock and further expand our vinyls business. Our Kentucky operations are a vital hub for Westlake and we are proud to be a responsible corporate citizen of this great state.”

Westlake Chemical is an international manufacturer and supplier of petrochemicals, polymers and building products. These products are used in making everyday items such as packaging, plastic wrap, tires, PVC pipes, windows and fencing. Westlake Chemical’s Calvert City facility employs approximately 400 employees along with 150 core contractors and has been in operation for nearly 25 years.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority approved tax incentives up to $20 million through the Kentucky Reinvestment Act. KRA is designed to assist companies that need to make significant capital investment in Kentucky facilities in order to remain competitive.

“This is a tremendous cause for celebration in Calvert City and the surrounding area,” said Governor Steve Beshear. “Kentucky has built a strong partnership with Westlake Chemical, and we’re excited to see such a significant investment. The Commonwealth looks forward to supporting Westlake for years to come.”

“Westlake Chemical’s expansion is a major milestone for our community, so I want to thank the company for investing so much here and preserving these much-needed jobs,” said Rep. Will Coursey, of Benton. “I’ve been proud to work with Governor Beshear, his administration and our local officials to help make announcements like this possible. Today’s ceremony is truly good news.”

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