ARABI, La. (May 7, 2026) — State and local officials joined leaders from American Sugar Refining, Inc., part of the ASR Group® family of companies, to celebrate the groundbreaking of the first phase of a major modernization project at the Domino® Sugar Chalmette Refinery in St. Bernard Parish. The initiative marks the company’s largest capital investment to date and signals a new era for one of Louisiana’s most established industrial operations.
The overall modernization effort represents a planned $785 million investment, with the first phase totaling more than $200 million. The project will modernize refining operations at the Chalmette facility, which has played a central role in Louisiana’s sugar industry for more than a century and remains the largest sugar refinery in the Western Hemisphere.
The investment is expected to create 15 new direct jobs while retaining approximately 500 existing positions at the refinery. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will also generate an additional 37 indirect jobs across the Southeast Louisiana region.
“Domino® has been part of Louisiana’s sugar industry for generations, and this reinvestment shows the company’s continued confidence in Louisiana as a place to build, innovate and grow,” said Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “Projects like this demonstrate how Louisiana’s legacy industries continue to modernize and compete, strengthening industries that have long driven our state’s economy.”
The first phase of the project includes construction of a new state-of-the-art process building that will replace aging equipment and systems currently in operation at the refinery. The upgraded infrastructure is designed to improve operational reliability, increase efficiency, reduce energy and water consumption, and support future production demands. Additional phases are planned as part of the refinery’s long-term modernization strategy.
“This project, our largest capital investment ever, reflects our commitment to modernize operations, enhance reliability for our customers and advance our sustainability goals — all while continuing to be the employer of choice for hundreds of people in the area,” said American Sugar Refining President Luis Fernandez.
ASR Group® is the world’s largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar, operating a global network of refineries and production facilities throughout North America and Europe. The company’s Domino® Sugar Chalmette Refinery has remained a cornerstone of Louisiana’s sugar economy for more than 100 years, supporting refining, production and distribution operations throughout the Gulf South.
“Domino Sugar has operated in Arabi for over 100 years and has consistently been recognized as one of St. Bernard Parish’s top employers and taxpayers,” said St. Bernard Parish President Louis Pomes. “This project represents another significant investment in St. Bernard, helping to secure existing jobs while creating new ones. I am extremely proud to support American Sugar Refining, Inc. while they continue to make St. Bernard Parish a better place to live and work.”
Construction on the first phase is already underway, with completion and commercial operations expected in 2028.
“This investment in Chalmette is one of the largest manufacturing commitments in St. Bernard Parish’s history and an enormous vote of confidence in the parish,” said Greater New Orleans, Inc. President and CEO Michael Hecht. “Keeping 500 jobs rooted in St. Bernard while modernizing one of America’s most iconic food brands is a truly sweet win.”
To support the project, the State of Louisiana offered American Sugar Refining a competitive incentives package that includes participation in the Industrial Tax Exemption and Quality Jobs programs.
Louisiana Economic Development also encouraged local companies to register with SourceLouisiana.com to pursue potential contract and vendor opportunities connected to projects statewide.
About American Sugar Refining, Inc.
American Sugar Refining, Inc. is part of the ASR Group® family of companies, the world’s largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar. The company produces a broad portfolio of grocery, industrial, foodservice and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group® operates sugar refineries in California, Maryland, Louisiana, Canada and Mexico, with additional refining operations in Europe, including facilities in the United Kingdom, Portugal and Italy through a joint venture partnership.
The ASR Group® portfolio includes well-known brands such as Domino®, C&H®, Florida Crystals®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle’s®, Sidul® and Whitworths®.
