FAQs

Q

Who is UBE?

Founded in 1897, UBE Corporation is one of the largest manufacturers of battery materials, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and more. UBE aims to produce specialty chemicals that positively contribute to the global environment, public health, and an enriched and sustainable society.

Q

What is UBE’s proposed project at the Cornerstone Energy Park (CEP)?

International manufacturer UBE Corporation (UBE) made a final investment decision for approximately $500 million at the Cornerstone Energy Park (CEP) to construct a facility to produce critical components of rechargeable lithium-ion battery and semiconductor manufacturing processes.
Lithium-ion batteries are essential to the manufacturing of electric and hybrid vehicles. Semiconductors are vital to electronic devices and enable advances in computing, communications, healthcare, transportation, renewable energy, and countless other fields.
For this project, UBE has decided to raise a total of $200 million in capital to UBE C1 Chemicals America (UCCA), a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the CEP.
Construction work is scheduled to begin in September 2024 and the plant is scheduled to begin operation in November 2026.

Q

What product would the proposed UBE facility at the CEP manufacture?

The UBE project being considered would produce critical components needed for a green future including, dimethyl carbonate (DMC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), and polycarbonate diol (PCD). The project is projected to produce 100,000 metric tons per year of dimethyl carbonate (DMC), 40,000 metric tons per year of EMC, derived from produced DMC, and 4,000 metric tons per year of PCD.
Startup of the DMC and EMC facility is projected for 2026. UBE is planning to expand the project to PCD in the future.

Q

What is dimethyl carbonate (DMC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) and polycarbonate diol (PCD)? How are they made?

DMC is a colorless, non-toxic liquid and will be produced using UBE’s proprietary process in this project. This production process is a more efficient method that results in fewer byproducts through a reaction of methanol with carbon monoxide and oxygen.
EMC is a clear liquid produced through the synthesis of DMC and ethanol.
DMC and EMC products are components of lithium-ion batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles, and DMC products are raw materials of semiconductors used in computing, communications, healthcare, transportation, renewable energy, and countless other fields. UBE's established EMC production process enables high-purity DMC and high-purity EMC. This purity contributes to electrolyte performance which contributes to better vehicle performance.
PCD is a colorless waxy solid or liquid used in a wide range of coatings, adhesives and elastomers, including high-grade polyurethane used in adhesive and coatings, produced by synthesizing DMC and diol, a type of alcohol.
Its demand is growing as a raw material of environmentally responsible water-based paints.

Q

Why is this project needed?

Through this project, UBE is considering production of critical components of rechargeable lithium-ion battery and semiconductor manufacturing processes at CEP. Lithium-ion batteries are essential to the manufacturing of electric and hybrid vehicles and semiconductors are vital to electronic devices and enable advances in computing, communications, healthcare, transportation, renewable energy, and countless other fields.
The UBE project on the CEP site would create the first domestic U.S. supply of DMC and EMC, materials critical to electric and hybrid vehicles, cell phones, tablets, laptops and solar panels, and would reduce dependents on imports from China and other countries.

Q

Why select the Cornerstone Energy Park site?

This project is a tailor-made addition to the CEP site. Cornerstone has safely and locally produced the essential ingredients UBE needs for its production process for more than 70 years. UBE also resonates with Cornerstone's commitment to environment and society and feels that Cornerstone is a reliable partner for UBE to serve the community.
This project represents a significant and lasting investment in Jefferson Parish and aligns with Cornerstone’s focus on sustainability, modernization, and transitioning its site for the future. Through partnerships and projects like this one who share the company’s commitment, Cornerstone is leading the way to a safer, cleaner, greener future.

Q

Why Jefferson Parish?

Competitive multiple transport network, excellent labor productivity, availability of raw materials, such as Natural Gas, and good geographical access to battery supply chain markets would make this project successful.
The UBE project being considered represents a $500 million investment in Jefferson Parish that would increase sustainability and competitiveness of CEP production processes, spur local economic growth, and create 55-57 new permanent full-time local jobs, which include 9-10 full-time direct jobs and 46-47 full-time contractor or direct jobs, in the Waggaman community.

Q

How would the manufacturing process and materials be handled?

The UBE project under consideration for the CEP site would be planned and managed with the same commitment to safety and sustainability as other site facilities. UBE would own the facilities and the product, and supply product expertise. Cornerstone would cooperate to operate, run, and maintain the production facilities, feedstocks supply, and utilities.

Q

Would the production process and the proposed facility be safe?

The UBE project, under consideration for the CEP site, would be planned and managed with the same commitment to safety and sustainability as other site facilities. UBE’s project would increase site efficiencies and reduce byproducts, making processes cleaner and practices even safer.
UBE has been a global supplier for more than 120 years and has over 30 years of safe DMC manufacturing experience. UBE has provided technical licenses for DMC and similar chemical processes over 30 times and done so safely with no critical incidents in these productions.
With its significant and well-tested chemical process knowledge, UBE’s DMC processes are carefully engineered to be hazard-proof. For example, UBE has implemented a safety interlock system that immediately and automatically detects any signs of danger and prevents accidents. Additionally, UBE is certified for global safety standard ISO 45001 and prioritizes safety design and risk assessment systems.
UBE and the UBE Group, have a more than 120-year history of "coexistence and mutual prosperity" with the local communities they serve. Our important founding philosophy is not only to pursue our own interests, but also to be recognized as a member of the community and to contribute positively to the community. The company challenges new technologies and self-transformation to respond to changes in the times and industrial structure.

Q

Would the proposed project affect the environment?

UBE’s project would be planned and managed with the same commitment to safety and sustainability CEP prioritizes. UBE and this project would seek to create local value through safe and low-impact environmental processes.
The project being considered would be a minor source of emissions as classified by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. UBE would also build its own wastewater treatment facility at CEP.
Further, reliable domestic production of DMC and EMC eliminates the carbon footprint generated by importing these products from foreign producers via ocean vessels.
As essential raw materials for lithium-ion batteries needed for electric vehicles, production of the DMC and EMC needed for electric vehicles also contributes to reduced emissions over traditional engine-powered vehicles.

Q

Would the process or the proposed facilities be noisy, dusty or odorous?

UBE designs its project and facilities with careful consideration for the health and safety of its neighbors, workforce and the environment. This project would result in limited noise, no dust and no odors.

Limited noise: UBE will comply with the CEP site regulations. Rotating equipment, such as compressors, are Noise-producing equipment in DMC/EMC plant. However, these types of equipment are commonly used and do not affect out of the site.
No dust: DMC/ EMC products are liquid and shipped in trucks. Therefore, there is no dust during transportation. Some wastes are solid, however, UBE will treat them properly not to affect the outside the CEP site.
Limited odors: UBE will ensure that the design of the facility is in compliance with the local and CEP regulations. UBE will handle substances that may produce some odor, such as organic solvents. However, UBE will treat them safely and properly. For example, UBE will treat vent gas containing organic components in Combustion treatment system, which detoxify toxic substances in the gas.

Q

How many construction jobs would the project create?

Temporary construction jobs needed would be 50-200 for the first 11months and 200-300 for the rest of the construction period. Although the number of new hires has not yet been determined, the UBE project aims to use LA subcontractors as much as possible to contribute to local employment.

Q

How many permanent full-time local jobs would the project create?

The project would provide 55-57 new permanent full-time local jobs, which include 9-10 full-time direct jobs and 46-47 full-time contractor or direct jobs in the Waggaman community.

Q

Will UBE hire local employees, suppliers and vendors?

UBE values Cornerstone’s commitment to transparent operations, local hiring, local purchasing, and community investment, and plans to further that commitment in all aspects of construction and operations.

Q

Is the community aware of the proposed project?

Conversations regarding the potential project have been done with the local community, State of Louisiana, Jefferson Parish, Cornerstone Energy Park, state agencies, and stakeholders. We have received a great deal of understanding from local residents, government agencies, local government officials, companies, and many other stakeholders about this project, and we will continue to actively answer questions and disseminate information in response to your questions and concerns.