Production at expanded Williams ethylene unit to commence in November

05-Nov-14

Williams Partners L.P. expects the expansion project at its Geismar Olefins plant to begin manufacturing ethylene for sale this month. All major construction related to the rebuild of the damaged plant, the expansion project and the safety-related equipment installation is now complete. The general contractors for the expansion and rebuild projects have demobilized and Williams' operations personnel are now directing the dry-out and commissioning of the plant. Capacity at the plant is now 1.95 bln lbs of ethylene per year. Williams Partners' share of the total capacity of the expanded plant is approximately 1.7 bln lbs per year. Williams owns controlling interest and is the general partner of Williams Partners. "We are in the final stages of commissioning and startup," said John Dearborn, senior vice president of NGL & Petchem Services. "We fully expect to be manufacturing ethylene for sale in November, consistent with our financial guidance. We continue to place our highest focus on restoring safe and reliable operations for our employees, contractors, community and customers."