State and local leaders joined Katoen Natie Baton Rouge, LLC to break ground on a $25 million expansion at the company’s Baton Rouge Polymers Terminal. The project will add a new logistics facility to support Louisiana’s growing specialty chemicals and advanced materials industries, strengthening the Capital Region’s position as a hub for industrial distribution and manufacturing.
The company is expected to create 13 direct new jobs, while retaining 29 current positions in East Baton Rouge Parish. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional nine indirect new jobs, for a total of 22 potential new job opportunities in the Capital Region.
“Katoen Natie’s continued investment in Baton Rouge reflects the confidence global companies have in Louisiana’s ability to deliver for the specialty process industries and advanced manufacturing sectors. This project further strengthens our logistics network, creates high-quality jobs and reinforces the Capital Region’s growing leadership in the global supply chains.”--LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois
The project includes a new 300,000-square-foot warehouse for the storage and repackaging of titanium dioxide (TiO₂), amongst other products, which is produced in Lake Charles and used in coatings, plastics and other industrial applications. The expansion reflects Katoen Natie’s continued investment in Louisiana.
“With this project Katoen Natie reconfirms that Baton Rouge is key within its global network of high end logistics and added value platforms for the chemical industry. Louisiana continues to be a region where chemicals and petrochemicals continue to have and find a home in an ever more challenging global economy.”--Katoen Natie’s President of Specialty Chemicals Sam Dhollander
Construction is expected to be completed by October 2026, with operations beginning the following month.
“This investment by Katoen Natie represents another strong vote of confidence in Baton Rouge and in the Capital Region’s ability to compete and grow. By expanding their operations here, Katoen Natie is strengthening our manufacturing and logistics sector, creating quality jobs, and contributing to the long-term vitality of our regional economy. We’re proud to support their continued success in East Baton Rouge Parish.”--East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards
To win the project, the state of Louisiana offered Katoen Natie Baton Rouge a competitive incentives package that includes the comprehensive workforce development solutions of LED FastStart and a $200,000 performance-based grant to be used for site infrastructure improvements.
“We are delighted to see Katoen Natie make a $25 million commitment to expand their Polymers Terminal in East Baton Rouge Parish. This investment underscores the region's strengths in the logistics and manufacturing industries.”--President & CEO of the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership Lori Melancon
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