Port Allen chemical plant expanding

Criterion Catalysts & Technologies plans to shift production from a California chemical plant to a facility it is currently expanding in Port Allen, a move that will add up to 35 new jobs. The company will discontinue operations by mid-2010 at its facility in Azusa, Calif., and consolidate operations at its West Baton Rouge alumina plant. Alumina is used in the production of aluminum, certain chemicals, and in abrasives, among other purposes. CC&T announced plans last year for a $250 million expansion in Port Allen. The expansion will now, with the addition of the 35, create 75 to 85 new jobs and retain 17 jobs. The Port Allen expansion is set for completion in late summer. “This will allow us to get up and running quicker than anticipated,” says Bill Howell, venture manager for CC&T. CC&T officials say Louisiana’s pro-business climate was one of the factors in the move.—Timothy Boone