ExxonMobil is planning to invest $334 million on expansion and maintenance projects at its Baton Rouge chemical plant on Scenic Highway, according to an advance notice filed with Louisiana Economic Development.
The project, consisting of numerous capital projects over the next 30 months includes a variety of equipment upgrades and technology enhancements to ensure the site stays competitive, says Stephanie Cargile, ExxonMobil public and government affairs manager. The project would create about 750 temporary construction jobs over the next two years, ExxonMobil says in its filling with the state. Work at the chemical plant, which employs about 3,700 workers, is expected to begin this week and finish by 2023.
ExxonMobil is seeking a sales tax rebate through Louisiana’s Enterprise Zone Program. Unlike the Industrial Tax Incentive Program, the Enterprise Zone Program applications do not need approval from local officials. The company is required to create a minimum of five net new jobs curing the contract period to receive the rebate, according the program’s rules.
The expansion marks the second large project for ExxonMobil in Baton Rouge this year, as it has also announced plans to spend $410 million to modernize its oil refinery. The school board, Metro Council and sheriff’s office all approved an ITEP abatement for the refinery project earlier this year.
