Sasol executives announced Monday they have hired five Louisiana-based contractors to help the company build its multi-billion dollar ethane cracker and derivatives project.

Baton Rouge-based Cajun Constructors Inc. and James Industrial Constructors will perform site civil works, which includes site preparation, piling and foundation work. ISC Constructors LLC and MMR Constructors Inc., also of Baton Rouge, will perform electrical and instrumentation work.

Sulphur-based Turner Industries will conduct mechanical, structural steel and piping work.

Kim Cusimano, Sasol’s senior public and government affairs specialist, said the contractors bring “extensive Louisiana and petrochemical construction experience,” particularly with large-scale projects like the ethane cracker.

“These Louisiana contractors will perform the actual execution of the project,” she said. “They will then contract with local small businesses, which is a priority for them, to help them with the process of building the project.”

She added that the project’s construction manager, Fluor Technip Integrated, will oversee all of the work performed by the contractors. Sasol announced FTI as the project’s Engineering Procurement and Construction contractor last October when the company reached Final Investment Decision on the project.

FTI will be responsible for managing the construction contractors to ensure that safety, quality, scheduling and cost are maintained, Cusimano said.

In addition to the five contractors hired, Sasol will award other major contracts for the project later this year. Contract scopes will be announced for insulation, paint and fire proofing, Cusimano said.

Sasol will host a business opportunity forum on Feb. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center for the company’s new construction contractors to meet with the area business community and share information about available opportunities.

Cusimano said companies interested in serving as suppliers and subcontractors during construction should contact and register with the contractors directly.

“FTI and the major construction contractors each have different subcontract and supply needs depending on their scope,” she added.

Sasol’s ethane cracker will produce ethylene, which will be used to make products such as synthetic fibers, detergents, paints and fragrances. The facility will be the second of its kind at the company’s Westlake plant and is expected to produce about 1.5 million tons of ethylene a year.

The $8.9 billion project is expected to create more than 5,000 construction jobs at peak times and more than 500 full-time positions. The facility is scheduled for full operation in 2018.

(Special to the American Press)