Methanex Corp., a major producer of methanol, has secured land in Louisiana and will decide later this year whether to move one of its idle plants in Chile to the state.
Methanex chief executive Bruce Aitken says that the site in Geismar is an attractive because of low natural gas prices and a skilled work force. He also said the region — a major player in the chemical industry — is a large consumer of methanol, which has scores of industrial uses.
Vancouver-based Methanex said it would make a final decision on whether to bring the plant to Louisiana during the third quarter. Production would begin in the second half of 2014.
State economic development officials said Methanex will get an incentive package if it decides to locate to Louisiana.