Lacassine Operating to build blending plant at Louisiana rail terminal

Lacassine Operating Co. will invest $12.5 million to build a catalyst blending plant in Lacassine, Louisiana, to serve oil refineries worldwide, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and the company announced this week.

The plant will become the anchor tenant of the Lacassine Rail Terminal operated by Rail Logix in Jefferson Davis Parish, according to a press release issued by Edwards' office.

Lacassine is a newly formed partner company of Equilibrium Catalyst Inc., which provides catalyst-related services in the fluid catalytic cracking, or FCC, category. The company's facilities blend and process material for use by domestic and international oil refineries.

Equilibrium Catalyst has served Louisiana oil refineries for many years, Edwards said.

"Its location at the Lacassine Rail Terminal is a good example of how Louisiana’s logistics assets can work for business," the governor said. "With industrial clients in Louisiana, Texas and across the world, the company is well-positioned to grow and thrive here."

Rail Logix began operating the rail terminal in October 2018. Situated along Interstate 10 between New Orleans and Houston, the terminal has installed 500 rail-car storage spots and has plans to add another 2,300.

“As one of the newest companies to the park, Lacassine Operating Co. represents the beginning of a multitude of rail-served tenants to invest in the park and support this region’s industrial growth,” said Rail Logix Chief Operating Officer Randy Bennett.