Shell Chemical Appalachia LLC recently announced it has taken the final investment decision to build a major petrochemical complex, comprising an ethylene cracker with polyethylene derivatives unit, near Pittsburgh. Main construction will reportedly start in 18 months, with commercial production expected to begin early in the next decade. The complex will reportedly use low-cost ethane from shale gas producers in the Marcellus and Utica basins to produce 1.6 million tons of polyethylene per year.

The facility will be built on the banks of the Ohio River in Potter Township, Beaver County, about 30 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. As a result of its close proximity to gas feedstock, the complex will reportedly benefit from shorter and more dependable supply chains, compared to supply from the Gulf Coast. The location is also ideal because more than 70% of North American polyethylene customers are within a 700-mile radius of Pittsburgh. The project is expected to bring new growth and jobs to the region, with up to 6,000 construction workers involved in building the new facility, and an expected 600 permanent employees when completed.