PLAQUEMINE, La. (Mar. 4, 2026) — Shintech Louisiana, LLC has announced plans to invest $3.4 billion to expand its manufacturing complex in Iberville Parish, further strengthening Louisiana’s position as a global hub for petrochemical and PVC production.
The project will include construction of a second ethylene unit and a fourth chlor-alkali and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) unit at the company’s existing facility. The expansion represents the next phase of Shintech’s long-term investment in Louisiana, where the company has operated for more than 25 years.
The expansion is expected to create 163 new direct jobs with an average annual salary of $117,329, significantly above the parish average. The company will also retain 725 existing positions, while Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will generate an additional 655 indirect jobs, bringing the total potential employment impact to more than 800 jobs across the Capital Region.
“From energy to advanced manufacturing, Louisiana powers the industries that sustain America’s economy,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “Shintech’s decision to make a $3.4 billion reinvestment after 25 years in our state speaks volumes. This expansion strengthens one of the world’s leading process industries hubs and reinforces Louisiana’s role as a global industrial powerhouse.”
Expanding Advanced Manufacturing Capacity
Shintech first began operations in Louisiana in 2000 and has steadily expanded its facilities to meet global demand for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and related products. The new investment will deploy advanced manufacturing technologies designed to reduce environmental emissions per pound of PVC and caustic soda produced, while improving operational efficiency.
“We are pleased to announce our continued growth and investment in Louisiana,” said Yasuhiko Saitoh, President of Shintech Inc. “This investment aligns with our strategy to ensure a reliable and cost-effective supply of key feedstocks for our business. We are extremely grateful to state and parish officials, as well as our neighbors in the community, whose support has been integral to our success.”
Over the past 25 years, Shintech has completed seven major projects in Louisiana totaling $9 billion in investment, creating 725 direct jobs and more than 900 contractor positions. The company’s operations have also supported thousands of construction jobs and more than 3,000 regionally induced positions.
Shintech is also recognized as the largest exporter by container volume through the Port of New Orleans, reinforcing Louisiana’s importance to global chemical supply chains.
Local Economic Impact
Company officials emphasized the long-standing partnership between Shintech and Iberville Parish, where the company has become the parish’s largest taxpayer and a major contributor to funding for infrastructure, education, law enforcement, and community services.
“Shintech’s investment in Iberville Parish has created economic opportunity throughout our community,” said Danny Cedotal, Vice President of Manufacturing for Shintech. “This new project will deploy best-in-class technologies while continuing to drive local investment for years to come.”
The project is also expected to create thousands of construction jobs during development, along with approximately 100 new contractor positions supporting operations.
Shintech has emphasized its commitment to local hiring. Currently, 68% of the company’s technicians live in Iberville or West Baton Rouge parishes, and 57% of total employees reside in those communities.
Strengthening Louisiana’s Industrial Leadership
State officials say the expansion highlights Louisiana’s competitive advantages in energy infrastructure, logistics networks, and skilled workforce development.
“Shintech’s continued investment reflects the confidence global manufacturers have in Louisiana’s people and performance,” said Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “This expansion strengthens regional supply chains and creates high-wage opportunities that will benefit Louisiana families for generations.”
Reliable power infrastructure will also play a key role in supporting the project.
“Shintech’s expansion underscores the continued strength of Louisiana’s manufacturing sector and the importance of resilient energy infrastructure,” said Phillip May, President and CEO of Entergy Louisiana. “We are proud to support this significant investment with dependable power solutions for large-scale industrial operations.”
Construction Timeline
Construction will take place in multiple phases, beginning with the second ethylene unit and additional chlor-alkali and VCM production capacity. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by 2030.
“Shintech’s new project represents long-term stability and strategic growth for Iberville Parish,” said Iberville Parish President Chris Daigle. “This project builds on decades of collaboration and supports the type of thoughtful industrial development that strengthens our schools, infrastructure and quality of life.”
State Incentives and Workforce Support
To secure the project, Louisiana offered Shintech a competitive incentives package that includes:
- Workforce development support through LED FastStart
- A $23.5 million performance-based grant tied to infrastructure and equipment investments
- Participation in the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) and Quality Jobs Program
“Shintech’s fourth major project announcement in the Capital Region since 2015 demonstrates the strength of our regional economy, infrastructure and workforce,” said Lori Melancon, President and CEO of the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership.
