State and local leaders joined American Sugar Refining, Inc., part of ASR Group®, to break ground on the first phase of a $785 million modernization project in St. Bernard Parish. Representing a more than $200 million initial investment, the project at the Domino® Sugar Chalmette Refinery builds on Louisiana’s deep-rooted sugar industry while positioning the largest refinery in the Western Hemisphere for its next phase of growth.
“This investment in Chalmette is one of the largest manufacturing commitments in St. Bernard Parish's history and an enormous vote of confidence in the Parish,” President & CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. Michael Hecht said. "GNO, Inc. worked closely with American Sugar Refining, Inc. on incentive strategy and strengthened the critical relationships with Louisiana Economic Development and St. Bernard leadership that brought this across the finish line. Keeping 500 jobs rooted in St. Bernard while modernizing one of America's most iconic food brands is a truly sweet win.”
The company is expected to create 15 direct new jobs while retaining 500 current positions. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 37 indirect new jobs, for a total of 52 potential new job opportunities in the Southeast Region.
“Domino® has been part of Louisiana’s sugar industry for generations, and this reinvestment shows the company’s continued confidence in Louisiana as a place to build, innovate and grow,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “Projects like this demonstrate how Louisiana’s legacy industries continue to modernize and compete, strengthening industries that have long driven our state’s economy.”
The first phase of the project will construct a new, state-of-the-art process building to replace existing equipment and systems. It will introduce modernized refining capabilities designed to improve reliability, reduce energy and water consumption and support future demand. Additional phases will build on these improvements as part of the refinery’s broader modernization initiative.
“This project, our largest capital investment ever, reflects our commitment to modernize operations, enhance reliability for our customers and advance our sustainability goals—all while continuing to be the employer of choice for hundreds of people in the area,” American Sugar Refining President Luis Fernandez said.
The ASR Group® family of companies make up the world’s largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar, operating a global network of refineries and production facilities across North America and Europe. The company’s Domino® Sugar Chalmette Refinery has been part of Louisiana’s sugar industry for more than a century, supporting production, refining and distribution across the region.
"Domino Sugar has operated in Arabi for over 100 years and has consistently been recognized as one of St. Bernard Parish’s top employers and taxpayers,” St. Bernard Parish President Louis Pomes said. "This project represents another significant investment in St. Bernard, helping to secure existing jobs while creating new ones. I am extremely proud to support American Sugar Refining, Inc. while they continue to make St. Bernard Parish a better place to live and work."
Construction is underway, with completion of the first phase and commercial operations anticipated in 2028.
To secure the project in Arabi, the State of Louisiana offered American Sugar Refining a competitive incentives package that includes the Industrial Tax Exemption and Quality Jobs programs.
Louisiana companies, make sure your business is registered at SourceLouisiana.com to enter the pipeline for contract and vendor opportunities with development projects statewide.