News

Shell cracker plant expected to bring more businesses, jobs to Beaver County area

POTTER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Shell Chemical’s cracker plant in Potter Township is expected to bring hundreds of jobs and more businesses to the region.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf said that when the cracker plant opens sometime after 2020, it will be a “game changer for Pennsylvania’s economy.”

Government officials said that even though the plant hasn’t opened yet, businesses are interested in relocating to the area.

“They are knocking down my door. Lots of businesses are interested in locating very close to this plant,” Dennis Davin, from the Department of Community and Economic Development, said.

With the opening of the plant, polyethylene will no longer have to be shipped from Texas, or the Gulf Coast. Wolf said bringing the plant to the region will save businesses money. It also creates 6,000 full-time construction jobs and 600 full-time permanent positions when complete.

Shell said it is working hard to do well for the community.

“We are making sure we get a good turnout for investment and good stewards for this community,” Michael Marr, of Shell, said.