American Sugar Refining, Inc., a part of ASR Group, has damaged floor on the primary section of a $785 million modernization of its Domino Sugar Chalmette Refinery, marking the corporate’s largest capital funding in its historical past and a significant improve to one in every of Louisiana’s oldest industrial amenities.

State and native officers joined firm executives Could 5 in St. Bernard Parish for the ceremony launching the preliminary section of the long-term venture, which incorporates greater than $200 million in early funding. The refinery has operated in Louisiana for greater than a century and is the biggest sugar refinery within the Western Hemisphere, in line with the corporate.

The primary section will assemble a brand new, state-of-the-art course of constructing designed to switch getting old gear and enhance refining operations. Firm officers stated the upgrades are supposed to spice up reliability, cut back vitality and water use, and put together the power for future manufacturing demand. Extra phases are deliberate as a part of a broader modernization effort, with the primary section anticipated to be accomplished in 2028.

“This venture, our largest capital funding ever, displays our dedication to modernize operations, improve reliability for our prospects and advance our sustainability targets—all whereas persevering with to be the employer of alternative for tons of of individuals within the space,” American Sugar Refining President Luis Fernandez stated.

The corporate stated the venture will create 15 new direct jobs whereas retaining about 500 present positions on the Chalmette-area facility. Louisiana Financial Growth estimates the funding may also generate 37 oblique jobs, bringing whole potential job creation to 52.

Louisiana officers stated the venture reinforces the state’s long-standing position within the sugar trade whereas supporting modernization efforts throughout legacy producers.

“Domino has been a part of Louisiana’s sugar trade for generations, and this reinvestment exhibits the corporate’s continued confidence in Louisiana as a spot to construct, innovate and develop,” Louisiana Financial Growth Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois stated.

Native leaders additionally highlighted the venture’s financial affect on St. Bernard Parish, the place the refinery has been a significant employer and taxpayer for many years.

“This venture represents one other vital funding in St. Bernard, serving to to safe present jobs whereas creating new ones,” Parish President Louis Pomes stated.

Larger New Orleans Inc. President and CEO Michael Hecht stated the modernization represents one of many largest manufacturing investments within the area’s historical past and displays continued collaboration between the corporate and state financial improvement officers.

ASR Group, the mother or father firm, operates sugar refineries and manufacturing amenities throughout North America and Europe. Its portfolio contains well-known manufacturers corresponding to Domino, C&H, Florida Crystals, Redpath and Tate & Lyle.

State officers stated Louisiana’s incentive package deal for the venture contains participation within the Industrial Tax Exemption and High quality Jobs packages.

Building is already underway, with the primary section scheduled for completion and industrial operations anticipated in 2028.