The Baton Rouge, LA, economy is getting a boost with ExxonMobil’s $550 million expansion, according to the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report.
The expansion will allow the Baton Rouge complex, which already produces diesel, to produce a lower sulfur diesel for locomotives which will comply with federal requirements that go into effect in 2010.
ExxonMobil’s decision to expand rather than get out of the business represents confidence in the competitiveness of the refinery. Site preparation began in April for the new production unit for the refinery.
ExxonMobil had projected a year ago that the project expansion would cost about $350. The higher project total was finalized in late June when the company appropriated funds for the project.