Shintech: Expansion of capacities for PVC precursors in Louisiana

The company Shintech, which belongs to Japan’s Shin-Etsu Chemical, is planning a further expansion of its capacities for precursors used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in the US state of Louisiana.

In a press release, the parent company recently announced investments of up to USD 3.4 billion at the existing Plaquemine site near Baton Rouge. Over the coming years, new facilities are to be built there with capacities for the production of 625,000 tonnes of ethylene per year, 500,000 tonnes of vinyl chloride (VCM), and 310,000 tonnes of caustic soda. Completion of the construction work is currently expected by the end of 2030. According to the Louisiana Economic Development agency (LED), more than 160 new jobs are expected to be created at the site.

Advert

Shin-Etsu Chemical is responding to the continued increase in demand for PVC with the massive capacity expansion at Shintech in Louisiana. The group expects global PVC demand to increase by an average of 750,000 tonnes per year over the next five years. A significant increase in demand is also expected for caustic soda. With the new facilities in Plaquemine, Shintech aims to ensure reliable and cost-efficient supply of key raw materials for its PVC business and thereby strengthen the group’s position in global markets overall.

Shintech, headquartered in Houston in the US state of Texas, is according to its own information the leading PVC manufacturer in the United States. In addition to Plaquemine, the company operates further production sites in nearby Addis as well as in Freeport, Texas.

The parent company Shin-Etsu Chemical is headquartered in Tokyo and, with production sites in 17 countries, is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of PVC. The group’s product portfolio also includes silicon wafers, silicones, synthetic quartz and rare earths, as well as specialty chemicals. For the 2024/25 fiscal year, Shin-Etsu Chemical reports net profit of JPY 534 billion (EUR 2.924 billion) and operating profit of JPY 742 billion (EUR 4.063 billion) on revenues of JPY 2.561 trillion (EUR 14.024 billion).

More information: www.shintech.com, www.shinetsu.co.jp

Shin-Etsu Chemical, Tokio, Japan

back to news list