Elevance acquisition paves the way for expansion and job creation
Gov. Haley Barbour and executives from Elevance, who manufacture renewable specialty chemicals for use in personal care products, announced that following the acquisition of Delta’s facility in Adams County, expansion is on the cards.
The company intends to convert the facility to a biorefinery and derivatives operation in a multi-phase project that will involve an investment of more than $225m and will create 165 full-time jobs over the next five years, in addition to 300 construction jobs.
Investment in the area and local workforce
"Elevance's decision to locate here in Mississippi results in a significant investment in the area and its economy, as well as in the local workforce," Gov. Barbour said.
"Job creation and retention is vital to a healthy economy, and I thank the company for creating these new jobs for southwest Mississippi's residents. I am delighted to welcome Elevance to Natchez and Adams County."
Elevance plans to expand the existing 800,000-square-foot refinery, which is located in Natchez, in multiple phases over the next five years. The result will be a world-scale biorefinery and derivatives operation.
"We are pleased to be coming to southwest Mississippi to build our first North American manufacturing facility. We plan on deploying Elevance's innovative technology here to bring competitive manufacturing and high-value jobs back to the United States," said K'Lynne Johnson, CEO of Elevance.
"These operations will complement our joint venture with Wilmar International in Asia and expand our global footprint. By building biorefineries in multiple geographies, we are responding to our customers' demands for innovative environmentally friendly products in a cost-effective and scalable way," Johnson added.
Aidied by the county
The Mississippi Development Authority worked with company and local officials to help facilitate the project.
Through the Mississippi Industry Incentive Financing Revolving Fund, MDA provided assistance for upgrades at the Natchez/Adams County Port, as well as a $25 million loan to the company as well as providing assistance for upgrades to the port to support this project.
"Today marks a milestone for Natchez and Adams County, and I couldn't be more pleased that Elevance has chosen to locate its newest operations here," said MDA Executive Director Leland Speed.
"This announcement reinforces the fact that Mississippi has a business climate in place to meet the needs of any company. I thank Elevance for its investment in Natchez, Adams County and the entire state of Mississippi, as well as for its confidence in and commitment to Mississippi's workers."
