In the heart of Jefferson Parish, a quiet revolution is underway. Cornerstone Chemical Company, a stalwart of industrial innovation for over seven decades, is spearheading a transformation that could redefine the future of sustainable energy manufacturing in the Gulf Coast. The Cornerstone Energy Park (CEP) is emerging as a beacon of advanced manufacturing, where cutting-edge technology and environmental stewardship converge to forge a new chapter in industrial development.
The cornerstone of this transformation is the $500 million production facility being constructed by UBE C1 Chemicals America (UCCA). This facility is set to become the first reliable U.S. source of critical components for energy storage systems, a vital step toward a more sustainable national energy future. Jacques Byrd, Cornerstone’s Vice President of Site Development, captures the essence of this moment: “This is an exciting time for Cornerstone Energy Park as we continue to forge partnerships focused on creating a sustainable future for the site.”
The construction of this facility is not just about building a new industrial hub; it’s about reimagining how we build. UCCA is employing modular construction, a method that is gaining traction in advanced manufacturing projects worldwide. This approach involves constructing equipment in smaller components off-site, transporting them by barge, and assembling them on location. As UCCA President and CEO Tom Yura explains, “Think of modular construction as putting together the pieces of a puzzle. The pieces are built elsewhere, and the puzzle is assembled on-site. It’s a smarter way to build because it minimizes disruption to the community and reduces the duration of construction.”
The benefits of modular construction are manifold. It improves efficiency, reduces construction time, and minimizes disruption to the surrounding community. To transport the pre-built modules from shipping barges to the CEP construction site, crews will use a temporary heavy-haul bridge over River Road. Morimatsu, a contractor with over 20 years of global experience in moving modular components using hydraulic systems, has been selected to ensure the safe and efficient transport of these modules.
As the construction progresses, residents can expect intermittent road closures along River Road, typically lasting less than an hour and scheduled outside of peak travel times. The installation of the temporary bridge is expected to be completed in early to mid-December, with the modules beginning to cross shortly after. The road closures are anticipated to last through February, when the temporary bridge will be fully deconstructed.
Cornerstone and UCCA are working closely with local authorities, including the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jefferson Parish Levee District, and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, to ensure that all work is completed safely and efficiently. Ainslie Blanke, Cornerstone’s senior marketing and communications advisor, emphasizes the importance of community engagement: “We are working with local authorities to help keep the community informed on River Road traffic conditions throughout the construction process. Thank you for your patience as we make Jefferson Parish one of the country’s leaders in sustainable energy.”
The UCCA facility represents more than just an industrial milestone; it signifies a deeper commitment to sustainability and long-term growth. Cornerstone Energy Park has grown into a multimillion-dollar industrial campus, home to several companies that operate both independently and collaboratively. Their shared focus is on producing essential materials, supporting local jobs, and preparing Louisiana’s petrochemical sector for a more sustainable future.
As construction accelerates, the UCCA facility stands as a testament to the potential of green-energy jobs, enhanced manufacturing capacity, and a stronger local economy built on innovation. With decades of history and major projects pointing to a cleaner, more resilient future, Cornerstone Energy Park remains a vital pillar of Jefferson Parish’s industrial landscape.
For those interested in staying informed about the temporary River Road closures and other CEP site activities, direct notifications can be received by signing up at https://cornerstonechemco.com/operational-excellence. For more information about UCCA, visit www.ube.com/c1chemicals or use the company’s contact form: https://ube.com/Inquiry/Form/InquiryC1ChemicalsEnAgree.
This project is not just about building a facility; it’s about building a future. A future where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand, where communities thrive, and where the construction industry plays a pivotal role in shaping a greener, more resilient world. As Cornerstone Chemical Company and UCCA forge ahead, they are not just constructing a building; they are constructing a legacy.