Albemarle expands catalyst production

Albemarle Corp. has expanded its Process Development Center in Baton Rouge by installing a new production train for finished polyolefin catalysts. The move will lead to five new full-time jobs, the company says. Polyolefin catalysts are used in the production of plastic resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, which are used in films, pipes and fibers. Ashley Mendoza, senior communications manager for Albemarle, says rapid growth in emerging economies “is increasing the demand for packaged goods, plastic films and building materials. In turn, this is driving demand for high-performance polyolefin plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene.” The company is also constructing a plant in Yeosu, South Korea, to manufacture the catalysts. Headquartered in Baton Rouge, Albemarle employs about 4,000 people and serves customers in 100 countries. It manufactures specialty chemicals for consumer electronics, petroleum refining, utilities, packaging, construction, transportation, pharmaceuticals, crop protection, food safety and custom chemistry services. —Ian McGibboney