Plastic and chemical manufacturer Basell Australia, a company of LyondellBasell Industries, has been inducted into the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame this year for its contributions to sustained manufacturing excellence over many years.
In 2006, LyondellBasell completed a $150m, five year multi-phase reinvestment and technical upgrade of its Geelong manufacturing site. The expansion increased overall plant capacity from 70 KT to 130 KT per year.
In addition, the site’s new propylene separation unit achieved an 85 per cent reduction in its energy requirements. The company also claims it maintains good communications with the local Geelong community, which was consulted throughout the redevelopment process.
The successful completion and commissioning of the Geelong plant expansion project earned the company the 2007 Chemicals Industry Sustainability Award by the Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association (PACIA).
In April this year, Basell Australia says it became the first plastics manufacturer in Australia to sign a Sustainability Covenant with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA Victoria) and the PACIA.
David Stannard, Basell Australia’s Geelong site manager says, “We operate our facilities with a focus on protecting the health and safety of our employees and contractors, and with a commitment to safeguarding our local communities and environment.”
Stannard continues, “We also plan to implement additional site improvements to increase capacity and improve product quality, reliability and supply continuity.”
