FREEPORT, Texas – The announcement of a new chemical plant to be built in Freeport comes with the promise of thousands of jobs.
Andrew Liveris, CEO of Dow chemical announced Thursday the plans to build a state-of-the-art ethylene production plant at its facilities in Freeport.
It's designed to process natural gas liquid to create ethylene, turning it to plastic products that are used in transportation, construction and medical devices, officials said.
"Job creation, generational wealth, creating the right future for our children. That's what we see here in Texas," Liveris said at a news conference Thursday.
The company promises the expansion will produce new jobs in Freeport, officials said.
As many as 2,000 workers will be needed during the construction phase, and 150 permanent jobs will be up for grabs once the plant is open for business.
"Anybody who wants to come invest in Freeport, this is the time. Great things are happening here," Freeport Mayor Norma Garcia said.
The state of Texas has invested $1 million in the Dow project through the state's enterprise fund, officials said.
Gov. Rick Perry says Texas competed against a number of other states to lure the plant.
"This is a win-win situation from my perspective all around. We win competition more than we lose," Perry said.
Officials said once all the construction is completed, the new plant will open in 2017.
The new plant is one of four projects Dow Chemical has announced, and officials said the opportunities exist because of the lower natural gas prices.