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Westlake Corporation
Westlake Corporation is an international manufacturer and supplier of petrochemicals, polymers and fabricated building products, which are fundamental to various consumer and industrial markets.[2] The company was founded by Ting Tsung Chao in 1986.[3] it is the largest producer of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) in the US and ranks among the Forbes Global 2000.[4][5] Westlake Chemical operates in two segments: Olefins and Vinyls, and is also an integrated producer of vinyls, with substantial downstream integration into polyvinyl chloride (PVC) building products.[6]
FacilitiesIn 2014, Westlake made a significant expansion in their ethylene production facilities in Sulphur, Louisiana.[7] In 2014, Westlake acquired the German polyvinyl chloride manufacturer Vinnolit.[8] In 2016, Westlake acquired U.S. chlor-alkali producer Axiall Corporation for US$3.8 billion.[9] In June 2021, Westlake purchased the United States building products business of Boral for $2.2 billion.[10][11] In 2022, W. took over Hexion's epoxy division.[12] Safety IncidentsIn September 2021, an explosion at a Westlake ethylene plant in Sulphur, Louisiana injured 6 workers. In January 2022, an ethylene dichloride tank exploded at a Westlake facility in Westlake, Louisiana injuring 6 workers and triggering a Shelter-in-place order.[13] Westlake facilities in Louisiana have had uncontrolled chemical releases including benzene, chloroform, ethylene dichloride, hydrogen chloride and vinyl chloride.[14] Westlake's operations in Calvert City, Kentucky, have faced scrutiny from regulators. In 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced findings from a long-term air monitoring study in the surrounding community, and determined emissions of ethylene dichloride were driving elevated cancer risk.[15] Westlake's Calvert City operations are the main source of ethylene dichloride emissions in the area, according to the EPA. References
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