The Lake Charles Louisiana facility of Grace Davison was originally built in the early 1950's to provide the Gulf Coast area with manufacturing capacities for synthetic fluid cracking catalysts. Completed in 1953, it is presently the largest of Grace Davison's four catalyst plants. 
Lake Charles was selected as the plant site because of its central location in the Gulf Coast between the two large refining centers of Baton Rouge and Houston. Lake Charles was also considered ideal because many of the raw materials required were locally available, along with transportation by water, rail, highway, and air.
The facility consists of four major production areas: sodium silicate, additives plants, fluid cracking catalysts and hydroprocessing catalysts. Expansion and modernization have been the major factors keeping it on the top of the catalyst market.
Today, the Lake Charles facility is the largest refining catalyst plant in the world. The plant represents approximately half of Grace Davison's catalysts manufacturing capabilities and supplies a significant portion of the world's catalyst market. In addition to U.S. destinations, production is shipped to locations in Europe, Southeast Asia and South America.
The Lake Charles facility is a frequent award recipient for its safety record. In recent years, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Louisiana Chemical Association have recognized the site.
In 2005, the Lake Charles facility earned membership in the prestigious "Star" Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an official recognition of exemplary occupational safety health.
In 2007, the Lake Charles facility achieved certification to the Grace Environment, Health and Safety Management System. The site also holds numerous other awards, such as:
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"Star Among Stars" Award, Occupational Health Administration, 2008
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SAFE (Serious About Fostering Excellence) Award, Louisiana Chemical Association, 2006 & 2005
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Distinguished Partners in Education, Louisiana Department of Education, 2004
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CAER Achievement Award, Chemical Manufacturers Association
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Award of Commendation, National Safety Council
In 2008, Grace announced the planned expansion of it Lake Charles plant, to enable increased production of specialty aluminas, a key raw material in fluid cracking and hydroprocessing catalysts used by oil refineries to produce fuels.
Grace's North American Accounts Payable Service Center is located in Lake Charles as well. Vendors submit their invoices via e-mail, fax and mail or by uploading them online at www.gracepayables.com. Payments are then made via Electronic Funds Transfer. The centralized service center allows for faster payments and discounted payment terms.
Recognizing the importance of our employees and their contributions to the company's past and future success, the Lake Charles Plant is committed to provide a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors and visitors.
David R. Rentrop
Operations Director
