Shell begins operations at polymers plant in Pennsylvania

Shell Chemical Appalachia LLC (a subsidiary of Shell plc) announced it has commenced operations of its Pennsylvania Chemical project, Shell Polymers Monaca (SPM).

The Pennsylvania facility is the first major polyethylene manufacturing complex in the Northeastern United States and has a designed output of 1.6 million tonnes annually, stated the company.

“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. 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,” said Huibert Vigeveno, downstream director of Shell.

The plant is located within a 700-mile radius of 70 percent of the U.S. polyethylene market, SPM sits on 384 acres adjacent to the Ohio River in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. SPM contracted most of its natural gas feedstock at Final Investment Decision from the nearby Utica and Marcellus basins and offers customers shorter supply chains to increase flexibility and access to polyethylene pellets.

“I’m proud that in delivering this facility we’ve had a strong and innovative safety focus; invested in the community through employment and education; and helped repair and improve the local environment by remediating a brownfield site. These commitments are core to Shell’s Powering Progress strategy today and will remain so in the years to come,” Vigeveno added.