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BASF To Expand Chemical Production In Louisiana

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Gov. John Bel Edwards and BASF Senior Vice President ,Tom Yura, announced the company will invest in the development of its methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, or MDI, production at its Louisiana chemical complex in Geismar, Louisiana.

BASF is a chemical plant that produces most of the state's chemical products. The company plans to expand the development of MDI from 300,000 metric tons to almost 600,000 metric tons. The expansion take would take place over a period of several years in phases. In the first phase, BASF will make an initial investment of over $150 million in the construction of an MDI synthesis unit, with further production units planned for later phases. Construction will start this spring.

Through the investment, BASF will create 15 new direct jobs with an average annual salary of more than $86,600, plus benefits. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the expansion will result in an additional 70 new indirect jobs, for a total of 85 new jobs in the region.

MDI is used by customers to produce polyurethane foams and related materials for construction, insulation, automotive and packaging goods.