Subscribe
Close
  • Free for qualified executives and consultants to industry

  • Receive quarterly issues of Area Development Magazine and special market report and directory issues

Renew

Etimine Studies Establishing $200 Million Boron Manufacturing Facility In St. John The Baptist Parish, Louisiana

05/02/2014
Etimine is studying the feasibility of building a $200 million boron manufacturing facility at the Robert Farms site on the west bank of the Mississippi River in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. The project would lead to the creation of 200 new direct jobs.

According to Louisiana Economic Development, pending a final investment decision, Etimine USA could begin construction during the first quarter of 2015, with the facility to open in late 2017 or early 2018. The company expects to complete hiring for all 200 new direct jobs by the end of 2017.

The facility would manufacture and process boron compounds for chemical and construction products, such as glass, as well as for other customers primarily in the North American market. According to Louisiana Economic Development, Etimine would purchase 1,300 acres of the Robert Farms site near the Gramercy Bridge for $25 million, and the company would develop its manufacturing operations on approximately 200 acres of that site. Etimine will make a final investment decision on going forward with the project in the first quarter of 2015.

“As a U.S. operational unit of the world’s largest boron compound producer, Eti Maden Works General Management in Turkey, we believe our destiny has already chosen our destination – St. John the Baptist Parish, where we have found our hopes and promises,” Etimine USA President/CEO Gokhan Yazici said. “Our proposed investment of today is like planting a tree of opportunities that would grow bigger and bigger, serving many industries for high-end applications of national interest. Where can one find a country in the world like the United States, where opportunities are ample, scope of imagination is boundless and progress is without limit? Knowing our strength and potential, with all our optimism, I am extremely hopeful to be a great contributor to the U.S. economy and to the economic prosperity of Louisiana for many years to come.”

Governor Bobby Jindal said, “Etimine USA is part of a growing international company that would be establishing its fourth location in the United States right here in Louisiana. Etimine’s potential decision to build its new manufacturing facility in our state is further proof that Louisiana is leading the way for major new business investments, including world-scale projects in the chemical manufacturing sector, because of our strong business climate and skilled manufacturing workforce.”

To secure the project, the State of Louisiana offered the company a $3 million performance-based grant to offset site-acquisition costs. Etimine will receive the comprehensive workforce solutions of LED FastStart, the state’s workforce training program. The company also is expected to utilize Louisiana’s Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption incentives.

“We’re extremely excited about this announcement of the first large manufacturing project for the west bank of St. John the Baptist Parish,” said St. John Parish President Natalie Robottom. “As with all great accomplishments, this win was the result of a cooperative effort and we look forward to working with Etimine USA to make their investment in our community a success for everyone involved.”

“The Port of South Louisiana welcomes Etimine,” port Executive Director Paul Aucoin said. “The company will provide our area with 200 well-paying jobs while enhancing the port’s position in moving cargo in North America.”

“Etimine USA’s decision to locate in St. John Parish serves as proof-positive of the opportunity in the River Parishes along the Mississippi River,” said President/CEO Michael Hecht of Greater New Orleans Inc. “With the creation of nearly 200 new jobs and a capital investment of $200 million, Etimine USA will be a major positive force in the regional economy.”

Exclusive Research