WESTLAKE — Gov. Bobby Jindal joined local officials Thursday to announce that Axiall Corporation and the South Korea-based Lotte Chemical Corporation reached final investment decision on a combined $3 billion investment to build two chemical manufacturing facilities in Lake Charles.

The joint effort, known as LACC, includes a $1.9 billion ethane cracker, along with Lotte’s $1.1 billion monoethylene glycol manufacturing plant, next to Axiall’s complex. Both plants are expected to produce 1 million metric tons of ethylene per year.

Jindal, who made the announcement at Axiall, said the projects will create an estimated 215 new direct jobs and nearly 1,900 indirect jobs in the region. The jobs at the two facilities will have average annual salaries ranging from nearly $76,000 to $87,000.

“You can raise families on those salaries,” he said. “Those are the kinds of dollars that have a tremendous impact on our community.”

Jindal also said the projects will create 2,000 construction jobs, starting in 2016 through 2019. The facilities have an anticipated start up date of 2019.

Jindal said these announcements have “almost become routine” that they could be taken for granted.

“These companies can go somewhere else,” he said. “The reality is they could be investing in Texas … and overseas. Instead, they are choosing to invest in America (and) Louisiana.”

Jim Rock, Axiall’s vice president of operations excellence, said the projects ensure a “long-term, cost-competitive, reliable source of ethylene feed stock.”

“(That) is very basic to our operation here,” Rock said. “Currently, we purchase all our ethylene from outside sources.”

George Swift, president and CEO of the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, said the announcement brings the total amount of projects invested in Southwest Louisiana to $97 billion.

“We’re competing now on the world stage, and so we’re very appreciative of this investment here,” he said.

Jindal also spoke of Justin Thibodeaux, a chemical engineer at Axiall. Thibodeaux’s grandfather worked at the Axiall plant when it was known as PPG, and his father works for Axiall.

“Young talented workers … can continue to have a great career and build on their accomplishments,” Jindal said.

The event ended with a roundtable discussion with Jindal and other local leaders.

This is Jindal’s last month as Louisiana’s governor. Governor-elect John Bel Edwards will take office in January.

Online: www.lottechem.com, www.axiall.com

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal speaks at the announcement of Axiall Corporation and Lotte Chemical Corporation’s decision to spend $3 billion on two chemical manufacturing facilities in Lake Charles. (Rick Hickman / American Press)

Rick Hickman