Equistar

Equistar ranks first in the world in producing polyethylene products. Ranks third in the world for ethylene, and will soon rise to second with the addition of a new partner and a $100 million expansion of its plant in Matagorda County.

The vast array of plastic products using materials produced at Equistar include auto parts, toys, trash bags, household items, storage bags, containers, just about anything made of plastic. David Harpole, Equistar manager for public affairs, says "the Matagorda plant has the prime technological assets for producing a high density resin used for trash bags and grocery bags. It's capable of producing a superior resin to that of our competitors."

Expansion at the Matagorda plan began April 16, 1998. A fourth production line will be added which will bring the amoutn of polyethylene produced up to 480 million pounds a year. That will give Equistar a total capacity of 1.5 billion pounds.

Equistar has also been a powerful presence in the economy of Matagorda County. Harpole says Equistar already has 200 employees, the majority of whom live in the county. That comes out to a payroll of $17 million.

In addition to its crucial economic role, Equistar has playen an important social role in the Matagorda County community. Equistar employees serve on many city, school and volunteer boards. Special activities include hosting a senior citizens Christmas party, the United Way, and clean-up campaigns of hazardous saste and of the beach. Equistar also serves on the Community Advisory Council in which it answers the public's questions about the company.

Another bright spot for Eqistar's Matagorda plant is its safety record. It has received the Star Site designation form OSHA. "That's the highest designation that they give," Harpole pointed out. "This is one of the safest plants in the manufacturing industry."