TCL Specialties(TCLS), a subsidiary of Thirumalai Chemicals Limited (TCL), India will be breaking ground this month for two manufacturing facilities in Marshall County, West Virginia this to make food ingredients (malic and fumaric acids) and maleic anhydride, announced Jim Justice, Governor, West Viirginia.

These facilities will make and market 30,000 tons/year (66 mio. lbs./year) of food ingredients and 25,000 tons/year (55 mio. lbs./year) of maleic anhydride from butane, respectively. These food ingredients are widely used in beverages, confectionary, seasoning, pharmaceuticals, and animal feed, among many other products. Maleic anhydride is used in reinforced polymers, coatings and a variety of other applications.

This investment will satisfy the growing demand for these products in the United States and reduce import dependence, while also exporting significant volumes to Latin America and Western Europe.

This investment of approximately $150 million will be the first of a three-phase project by TCL for petrochemicals and fine chemicals from NGL and other feedstock. The first phase of this project is expected to create about 200 jobs during construction and 50 full-time local jobs, as well as a significant number of support services and other employment opportunities.

TCL Chairman Sarathy said these facilities will be located just outside of Moundsville and housed within the Covestro New Martinsville Industrial Park, which will provide various important utilities and services to TCL.

“I am so excited to make this announcement today,” said Governor Jim Justice. “TCL is investing $150 million into our state, which will in turn create good-paying jobs and add to the growing economy in Marshall County. The hard-working people of the Mountain State, as well as the leaders from TCL and our state offices will be a catalyst for this business to thrive and prosper in West Virginia, I’m sure of it.”