Dow subsidiary to upgrade Ouachita Parish plant

Angus Chemical Co. and the state have cut an economic incentive deal under which the company’s Sterlington plant will undergo a $10.8 million upgrade and retain 174 jobs. The company says it will construct a new electrical substation and upgrade the plant’s electrical system. Angus is a wholly owned subsidiary of Midland, Mich.-based Dow Chemical Co. Angus expects to complete the project in October and will employ at least 50 construction workers. Gov. Bobby Jindal says Angus was the first company to apply under a program designed to get existing employers to invest additional money in their facilities. “Dow Louisiana has long been one of the largest, most important employers in our state, and this $10.8 million modernization project will ensure that Dow and Angus continue to be part of our economy for years to come,” Jindal says. The state is giving Angus a 5% tax credit for the upgrade and property tax exemptions for materials used in new manufacturing. Louisiana Economic Development says it began working with Angus on the project in 2009. The Sterlington plant, which makes about 40 specialty chemicals, is one of six Dow sites in Louisiana. The others are in Plaquemine, Grand Bayou, Hahnville-Norco, Greensburg and Reserve.