WBRZ - Baton Rouge

GEISMAR - The Huntsman Corporation announced today plans to build a $78 million expansion at their Geismar chemical facility.

State economic officials said the expansion will create 17 new direct jobs and 60 indirect jobs, as well as retain the 397 existing jobs at the plant.

"We know that Huntsman was looking at alternative locations for this project and we sincerely appreciate their continued investment in the Geismar complex," Ascension Parish President Tommy Martinez said.

The state offered Huntsman a $1.5 million modernization credit to build at the location, and said they're expected to take advantage of Louisiana's Industrial Tax Exemption Program.

The plant produces a chemical used in polyurethanes, which are part of car seats, furniture, and insulation products.