Shin-Etsu Chemical Plans to Expand PVC Production by 500,000 Tons in the U.S.
2026-3-13
Recently, Shintech, the U.S. subsidiary of Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., announced an investment of approximately USD 3.4 billion to expand its production site in Plaquemine, Louisiana. The move aims to strengthen the integrated production capacity of polyvinyl chloride and caustic soda.
Under the plan, the project will build a second ethylene cracker at the site with an annual capacity of 625,000 tons. Meanwhile, a fourth chlor-alkali and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) production unit will be built, which is expected to add 500,000 tons of VCM and 310,000 tons of caustic soda in annual capacity. The expansion will be carried out in phases, with the first phase scheduled for completion by the end of 2030.
The project is expected to create 163 direct jobs and approximately 655 indirect jobs. To support the project, the state government has provided Shintech with an incentive package including a USD 23.5 million performance-based grant.
Since commencing operations in Louisiana in 2000, Shintech has invested over USD 9 billion in the state. The company stated that the new facilities will adopt advanced technologies to reduce carbon emissions per unit product and consolidate its competitive edge in the global market.
Under the plan, the project will build a second ethylene cracker at the site with an annual capacity of 625,000 tons. Meanwhile, a fourth chlor-alkali and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) production unit will be built, which is expected to add 500,000 tons of VCM and 310,000 tons of caustic soda in annual capacity. The expansion will be carried out in phases, with the first phase scheduled for completion by the end of 2030.
The project is expected to create 163 direct jobs and approximately 655 indirect jobs. To support the project, the state government has provided Shintech with an incentive package including a USD 23.5 million performance-based grant.
Since commencing operations in Louisiana in 2000, Shintech has invested over USD 9 billion in the state. The company stated that the new facilities will adopt advanced technologies to reduce carbon emissions per unit product and consolidate its competitive edge in the global market.