Louisiana Economic Development (LED) has presented a 2013 Lantern Award to the BASF site in Vidalia, Louisiana, recognizing the company’s excellence in manufacturing and community involvement.
Louisiana Economic Development honored BASF's Vidalia site as one of the state's leading manufacturing sites and the recipient of the 2013 Lantern Award for the Central Region of Louisiana at a recent ceremony at the Louisiana Governor's Mansion in Baton Rouge. From left are Concordia Parish Economic Development Director Heather Malone, Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland, Vidalia City Coordinator Larry Chauvin, BASF Vidalia Site Operations Manager Dwayne Nichols, BASF Vidalia Site Manager Mark Wolverton, and BASF Government Affairs Manager Deidra Jackson. Photo courtesy of Darlene Aguillard, Louisiana Economic Development
BASF was one of eight companies presented with a Lantern Award at a recent ceremony in the Governor’s Mansion. Winners were selected by Louisiana's eight Regional Planning and Development Districts, with selection based on contributions to local communities, including investments in employment growth and facility expansion. Each business needed to demonstrate sustainability by remaining in operation at least three years prior to the nomination.
“We are honored to receive a Lantern Award acknowledging BASF's commitment to the growth of our Vidalia site as well as our corporate citizenship and community involvement throughout Louisiana," said Mark Wolverton, Vidalia site manager for BASF Corporation. "This is also an opportunity for BASF to recognize the support of local and state leaders who continue to play key roles in helping industries expand and create new jobs in Louisiana."
The Vidalia site is part of BASF’s catalysts division and manufactures activated alumina adsorbents primarily used for petrochemical purification, air drying, and chloride and fluoride removal and other processes. BASF employees at the Vidalia site support a number of nonprofit community service organizations through fundraising campaigns and volunteerism.
The Vidalia site is currently being expanded to increase production capacity and operating capabilities. The long-term improvement project will enable BASF to consolidate regional manufacturing activities for adsorbents into a single, world-class site. BASF has invested approximately $20 million into the expansion of the Vidalia site.
In addition to the Vidalia site, BASF’s manufacturing presence in Louisiana includes operations in Geismar and Zachary. The three BASF sites employ nearly 2,000 BASF employees and contractors and spend nearly $300 million annually in the state through payroll, purchases, taxes and charitable contributions.
“Each year, we celebrate Louisiana-based manufacturers who demonstrate quality in their work processes and a commitment to their local communities,” said Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret. “With a focus on improvement, growth and innovation, the contributions of the Lantern Award winners are helping us position Louisiana as the best state for business investment and job creation. We congratulate them on their accomplishments and are grateful for the career opportunities they provide to the people of our state.”