The resumption of construction of the Jumbo plastics project in Corpus Christi will bring great social benefit as it is estimated to generate up to 2,400 jobs at peak construction. The plastics factory project has gone through several stages since its initial planning more than 10 years ago, as construction had been stalled for several years, but it finally was resumed in 2022 with the intention of completing the project by 2025.
When the plant comes into operation, it will be the largest PET/PTA vertically integrated facility in the world, producing between 1.1 million and 1.3 million metric tons of purified terephthalic acid, known as PTA, and polyethylene terephthalate, or PET.
These materials are present in many of the objects we wear or use in everyday life. PET, a form of polymer, is used in part of the production process for plastic bottles or packaging for food and beverages. PTA, on the other hand, is used to make polyester fibers for clothing, sheets, curtains and bedspreads.
Corpus Christi Polymers bought the plant and in February 2019 planned to start construction later that year, with a target start-up date of May 2020. However, delays in the project and the onset of the pandemic truncated these plans. Upon completion, the plant will employ 250 workers, full time.
Sarens, world leader in heavy lifting, engineered transport and crane rental solutions, has been involved in the construction of the project by providing a wide range of advanced machinery to assist with the lifting of ultra-heavy loads.
Sarens currently employs 4,543 highly qualified professionals who are ready to serve the needs of any client worldwide and in all market sectors. Sarens.com.
Need a Lift? A Sarens unit raises a tower on a polymers plant. Corpus Christi Polymers got a lift when they rode out the pandemic and found the backing and customer support to resume construction of its Jumbo project.