Lion Elastomers to invest $22 million in Louisiana plant expansion

GEISMAR, La.—Synthetic rubber manufacturer Lion Elastomers will invest $22 million in expanding production capacity for elastomers at its facility in Ascension Parish, La.

The company started construction work on the new "multi-level production building" in the third quarter of 2021 and has achieved "substantial completion," the company said Aug. 31.

The project, said Lion, is in the commissioning phase and is set to start full commercial production by the end of the year.

The new facility adds two finishing lines at the elastomeric polymer manufacturing facility to support the manufacture of tires and other rubber goods in the U.S.

The company statement did not provide capacity details but said the expansion will help Lion retain 176 jobs.

To secure the project, Lion said it received an offer from the state of Louisiana of an incentive package that includes a performance-based $375,000 "retention and modernization grant."

The Geismar facility began operations in 1964 as the United States Rubber Co., later becoming Uniroyal Chemical Co. and then Chemtura. Lion, which also has manufacturing facilities in Port Neches and Orange, Texas, purchased the site in 2007.

"Louisiana and Ascension Parish are favorable locations for investment due to a strong work force, availability of raw materials and utilities, and central location," said Steve Isaacs, director of process technology and optimization.

"This project will strengthen Lion Elastomers' manufacturing position, enhance quality and service for EPDM consumers," he added.