Borden Chemical Plant

The Borden Chemical plant in Geismar, Louisiana was initially constructed in 1961 and came “on-line” in 1962. The original complex had a design capacity of 30,000,000 gallons of methanol and 45,000,000 pounds of vinyl acetate annually. Various additions were made to the facility in 1966 (Acetic Acid plant), in 1967 (Ammonia and Urea plants), and in the early-mid 1970’s (VCM Ethylene Base and Formaldehyde Plants). The plant continues to operate today under the ownership of Hexion, Inc./Hexion Specialties Chemicals, Inc.

Borden Chemical utilized asbestos extensively at this facility. Beginning in 1961, these products were installed, maintained and repaired throughout the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. A vast majority of asbestos remained in-place through the 1990s.