Katoen Natie Baton Rouge Breaks Ground on $25 Million Expansion Project

• The project is expected to create 22 new job opportunities in the Capital Region.

• The expansion strengthens Louisiana’s role as a logistics and manufacturing hub for the specialty chemicals industry.

• Construction is expected to be completed by October 2026.

BATON ROUGE, La. – State and local leaders joined Katoen Natie Baton Rouge, LLC today to break ground on a $25 million expansion at the company’s Baton Rouge Polymers Terminal. The project will add a new logistics facility to support Louisiana’s growing specialty chemicals and advanced materials industries, strengthening the Capital Region’s position as a hub for industrial distribution and manufacturing.

The company is expected to create 13 direct new jobs, while retaining 29 current positions in East Baton Rouge Parish. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional nine indirect new jobs, for a total of 22 potential new job opportunities in the Capital Region.

“Katoen Natie’s continued investment in Baton Rouge reflects the confidence global companies have in Louisiana’s ability to deliver for the specialty process industries and advanced manufacturing sectors,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “This project further strengthens our logistics network, creates high-quality jobs and reinforces the Capital Region’s growing leadership in the global supply chains.”

The project includes a new 300,000-square-foot warehouse for the storage and repackaging of titanium dioxide (TiO₂), amongst other products, which is produced in Lake Charles and used in coatings, plastics and other industrial applications. The expansion reflects Katoen Natie’s continued investment in Louisiana.

“With this project Katoen Natie reconfirms that Baton Rouge is key within its global network of high end logistics and added value platforms for the chemical industry,” Katoen Natie’s President of Specialty Chemicals Sam Dhollander said. “Louisiana continues to be a region where chemicals and petrochemicals continue to have and find a home in an ever more challenging global economy.”

Construction is expected to be completed by October 2026, with operations beginning the following month.

“This investment by Katoen Natie represents another strong vote of confidence in Baton Rouge and in the Capital Region’s ability to compete and grow,” East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards said. “By expanding their operations here, Katoen Natie is strengthening our manufacturing and logistics sector, creating quality jobs, and contributing to the long-term vitality of our regional economy. We’re proud to support their continued success in East Baton Rouge Parish.”

To win the project, the state of Louisiana offered Katoen Natie Baton Rouge a competitive incentives package that includes the comprehensive workforce development solutions of LED FastStart and a $200,000 performance-based grant to be used for site infrastructure improvements.

“We are delighted to see Katoen Natie make a $25 million commitment to expand their Polymers Terminal in East Baton Rouge Parish,” President & CEO of the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership Lori Melancon said. “This investment underscores the region’s strengths in the logistics and manufacturing industries.”

Register here to be notified about Katoen Natie Baton Rouge, LLC job opportunities, hiring events and news updates. Louisiana companies, make sure your business is registered at SourceLouisiana.com to enter the pipeline for contract and vendor opportunities with development projects statewide.

About Katoen Natie Baton Rouge, LLC

Katoen Natie provides innovative and tailormade logistic and added value services globally. The group, still privately held, is present in more than 35 countries and employs 20,000 people worldwide. Across its various business units ranging from engineering services over specialty chemicals to art storage & handling it generates a revenue of more than $3 billion USD per year. Learn more at Katoennatie.com.

About LED
Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for driving capital investment, job creation and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana and employers of all sizes. Explore how LED is positioning Louisiana to win at OpportunityLouisiana.com. 

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Emma Wagner, LED Communications Director
Emma.Wagner@la.gov
912.467.2117

Jacey Wesley, LED Strategic Communications Manager
Jacey.Wesley@la.gov
225.342.5536

Charlotte Nieuwenhuyse, Katoen Natie Commercial Director
charlotte.nieuwenhuyse@katoennatie.com
281.910.2667