Shintech Louisiana announced a $3.4 billion expansion of its manufacturing complex in Iberville Parish, a project expected to create more than 800 new job opportunities across the Capital Region and further strengthen Louisiana’s position in global PVC production.
The expansion includes construction of a second ethylene unit and a fourth chlor-alkali and vinyl chloride monomer unit at the company’s existing facility in Plaquemine. Construction will occur in phases, with the first phase expected to be completed in 2030.
The project is expected to create 163 direct jobs with an average annual salary of $117,329—about 42% higher than the average wage in Iberville Parish—while retaining 725 current positions. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the expansion will generate an additional 655 indirect jobs, bringing the total number of potential new job opportunities in the Capital Region to 818.
Shintech began operations in Louisiana in 2000 and has continued expanding its facilities to meet global demand for polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, and related products.
“This investment aligns with Shintech’s strategy to ensure reliable and cost-effective supply of key feedstocks for our business,” Shintech Inc. President Yasuhiko Saitoh said in making the announcement.
Company officials say the expansion will deploy advanced manufacturing technologies designed to reduce environmental emissions per pound of PVC and caustic soda produced.
Over the past 25 years, Shintech has completed seven major projects in Louisiana totaling $9 billion. Those investments created 725 direct jobs and 940 nested contractor jobs and have supported more than 3,000 regionally induced jobs, according to the company. Shintech is also the top exporter in containerized volume through the Port of New Orleans.
The new expansion is expected to generate thousands of construction jobs and about 100 additional nested contractor positions.
