This Article Brought to you by:
ExxonMobil has announced a $100 million investment in its Baton Rouge chemical facility to enhance production of ultra-high purity isopropyl alcohol (IPA), a critical chemical for U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. The project will focus on upgrading the legacy chemical plant within the company’s Baton Rouge Complex, enabling production of 99.999% pure IPA, essential for next-generation microchips. This move is set to reinforce the domestic supply chain for semiconductors at a time when demand is being driven by advances in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and edge technologies.
The upgraded facility will supply high-purity IPA required in cleaning and drying processes during chip fabrication. According to the company, ExxonMobil’s Baton Rouge plant is already the world’s largest producer of IPA and it is uniquely positioned to meet these advanced specifications, supporting both U.S. manufacturing capabilities and technological competitiveness.
The project is expected to be completed in 2027 and will support the retention of existing jobs while creating approximately 45 temporary construction roles. The State of Louisiana is supporting the investment through a competitive incentives package, including participation in the Retention and Modernization Program, as well as eligibility for the Industrial Tax Exemption Program. These programs aim to retain and grow the manufacturing base in Louisiana while attracting long-term industrial investment.
With more than a century of operations in Baton Rouge, ExxonMobil continues to play a vital role in Louisiana’s industrial economy. The company’s Baton Rouge Complex remains one of the largest refining and petrochemical operations globally, producing everything from fuels to specialty chemical products. This latest investment not only reinforces ExxonMobil’s commitment to innovation and sustainability but also highlights the region’s strategic importance in the broader U.S. effort to secure and strengthen its high-tech supply chains.
Written by João Fernando
