$100 million+ Arkema potential plant expansion could bring jobs, guarantee existing jobs

JEFFERSON COUNTY — A potential chemical plant expansion could provide a $100 million+ boost to the economy.

The Jefferson County Commissioners Court has approved a property tax agreement, including an abatement, with Arkema Chemicals.

The agreement provides tax incentives to the company for its roughly $115 million potential expansion on Gulf States Road in Beaumont, according to the county judge's office.

It would create at least a dozen new jobs and help guarantee well-paying jobs for more than 120 employees.

The company makes ingredients used in a number of products, including pesticides, animal feed and pharmaceuticals.

When you talk about money rolling into our communities, subcontractors, contractors, this is what it's about," Precinct 4 Commissioner Bo Alfred told KFDM/Fox 4 News. "This Commissioners Court has been, what we call, business friendly.

The county says its tax abatement policies have drawn a number of new companies to the area and led to many business expansions.