| Westlake Corporation | |
| Former Name: | Westlake Chemical Corporation |
| Type: | Public company |
| Founder: | Ting Tsung Chao |
| Hq Location: | Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Key People: | Albert Chao (President and CEO) |
| Revenue: | (2022)[1] |
| Net Income: | US$2.247 billion (2022) |
| Assets: | US$20.550 billion (2022) |
| Equity: | US$10.465 billion (2022) |
| Website: | westlake.com |
Westlake Corporation is an international manufacturer and supplier of petrochemicals, polymers and fabricated building products, which are fundamental to various consumer and industrial markets.[2] The company was founded by Ting Tsung Chao in 1986.[3] it is the largest producer of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) in the US and ranks among the Forbes Global 2000.[4] [5] Westlake Chemical operates in two segments: Olefins and Vinyls, and is also an integrated producer of vinyls, with substantial downstream integration into polyvinyl chloride (PVC) building products.[6]
In 2014, Westlake made a significant expansion in their ethylene production facilities in Sulphur, Louisiana.[7] In 2014, Westlake acquired the German polyvinyl chloride manufacturer Vinnolit.[8]
In 2016, Westlake acquired U.S. chlor-alkali producer Axiall Corporation for US$3.8 billion.[9]
In June 2021, Westlake purchased the United States building products business of Boral for $2.2 billion[10] [11]
In September 2021, an explosion at a Westlake ethylene plant in Sulphur, Louisiana injured 6 workers. In January 2022, an ethylene dichloride tank exploded at a Westlake facility in Westlake, Louisiana injuring 6 workers and triggering a Shelter-in-place order.[12]
Westlake facilities in Louisiana have had uncontrolled chemical releases including benzene, chloroform, ethylene dichloride, hydrogen chloride and vinyl chloride.[13]