The Shell Polymers plant in Monaca or Cracker Plant began operations today.
After years of construction that began in 2017, the 384-acre site next to the Ohio River is now producing polyethylene pellets that will go toward producing household good, packaging, industrial products and more.
600 full time employees work at the plant with thousands more from private and public service support.
Shell says in a release that 3.5 billion pounds of polyethylene will be produced annual when full production ramps up in the second half of 2023.
“Building this world-class facility is a fantastic achievement and one the team can be proud of; it’s a showcase of Shell’s project delivery expertise,” said Huibert Vigeveno, Shell Downstream Director. “With great market access, innovative offers and connected infrastructure, Shell Polymers Monaca is well positioned and ready to serve customers with high-quality, competitive products.”
The plant runs on its own electricity and will have three reactors, two gas phase and one a slurry reactor.
The cracker plant is the first major complex of its kind in the Northeastern U.S.