Shintech plans to build a new plant in Brazoria County, Texas to manufacture chlor-alkali and vinyl chloride monomer. Chlor-alkali is often used in water treatment applications, and vinyl chloride monomer is used in the production of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC.
The plant, which represents an investment of $800 million, is expected to employ 130 to 150 people. Economic development organizations involved in the location decision included the City of Alvin and the Economic Development Alliance for BrazoriaCounty. These organizations helped assemble a winning incentives package. As part of this package, BrazoriaCounty granted a seven-year, 100 percent tax abatement. In addition, AlvinCommunity College will be able to apply for training grants once the needs are identified.
The plant’s production of vinyl chloride will help Shintech to meet the rising demand for PVC in the United States. Shintech’s Freeport Site Manager Jim Hodges stated “There will be quite a few jobs for BrazoriaCounty. This is very positive news for the area and the market in general. The PVC market is continuing to grow, and Shintech is committed to supplying anticipated growth in the United States. It will probably be one of the more exciting things to come to BrazoriaCounty in the last several years.”
Robert Worley, CEO of The Economic Development Alliance for BrazoriaCounty stated, “These are very high-quality jobs with excellent wages. The jobs-to-capital investment ratio is very significant.”