KIK Consumer Products celebrates the successful reconstruction of its subsidiary BioLab’s state-of–the-art trichlor production plant in Westlake, Louisiana with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Jeff Schmitt is chief operating officer at KIK Consumer Products. He says that today marks a new beginning in BioLab. It’s the culmination over 26 months worth of planning, engineering and construction. “Our plant is here today to show the resilience of our workforce, and the people of Louisiana that made this project possible. We have fulfilled our promise to rebuild and reinvest in the future not only of this facility, but also of the community, thanks to the support of people, businesses and institutions from Lake Charles, including the Louisiana State Police, local fire department, and law enforcement.
The company spent more than $250 million to rebuild and reopen its damaged facility after the devastating impact of Hurricane Laura in 2020. Nearly 80 people will be employed in the new facility, which reflects BioLab’s deep roots in Louisiana where it has been operating for decades. The facility has been reconstructed with greater production flexibility to allow the manufacturer to better meet pool cleaning product demand. It will be equipped with many safety features such as improved structural ratings, a ride-out shelter and elevated control room, as well improved fire detection systems and extinguishing methods.
Michael Sload, CEO at KIK Consumer Products, said that he was delighted to reopen the BioLab facility in time for the 2023 pool season. He also stated that he wanted to fulfill his promise to Lake Charles to rebuild. We are grateful to all of our valued stakeholders, from our employees and trusted retailers partners to the community as a whole. We look forward to continuing our 40-year legacy in Lake Charles and bringing products to millions more families who help keep their swimming pools and spas safe and clean for many years to come.
Don Brunette, BioLab’s plant manager, shared the sentiment: “Our BioLab employees were excited to return to work and honored to celebrate this moment with all our stakeholders. We are happy to welcome our team back into our newly rebuilt facility which is one the most advanced trichlor production plants in the world…
BioLab’s original Louisiana manufacturing plant was constructed in 1979. However, a significant component of the plant was damaged by Hurricane Laura. experts at the time predicted that the price of chlorine tablets would rise during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Louisiana plant, which was estimated to produce 70% of North America’s chlorine products treatments, was the continent’s largest supplier. KIK declared in summer 2021 it would build a new chlorine products plant.
The post BioLab celebrates reopening Louisiana’s chlorine production plant was first published on Pool & Spa Marketing.
