From left to right: Todd Dina, Vice President, Category Business Development at Cornerstone; Matt Sokol, CEO of Cornerstone; Masayoshi Ota, President and CEO, UBE Corporation America, Inc. (UCAI); Toshiki Manabe, Senior Vice President of UBE America Inc.; and Donna Fraiche, Honorary Consul-General of Japan for New Orleans gather at the Cornerstone Energy Park site.
Published: February 04, 2025
Cornerstone Chemical Company, LLC’s latest collaboration will place Jefferson Parish at the forefront of a sustainable future. As recently featured in the Times-Picayune, UBE C1 Chemicals America, Inc. (UBE) plans to invest $500 million to co-locate at Cornerstone Energy Park, to construct and operate a facility for the production of lithium-ion battery and semiconductor components.
This project is a pivotal move toward green energy innovation, local job creation, and a stronger U.S. supply chain for manufacturing essentials.
A global leader in battery and semiconductor technology, UBE plans to co-locate at Cornerstone Energy Park. The new facility will produce key chemicals for lithium-ion batteries and semiconductors, including green-focused components like dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC).
Through proprietary, efficient production methods that align with Cornerstone's commitment to sustainability, this facility will serve as a model for eco-friendly manufacturing.
Beyond technological advancements, the project will provide Jefferson Parish with significant economic benefits. UBE’s facility will bring more than 50 new skilled positions and up to 400 temporary construction jobs to the area, with nearly 2,000 jobs created during the construction phase alone through direct, indirect, and induced roles. The increased local tax revenue will further enhance public services and directly benefit Jefferson Parish residents.
The construction of UBE’s facility at Cornerstone Energy Park is set to begin once all necessary permits are in place, with groundbreaking projected for early 2025 and operations expected to start by 2027. This timeline reflects careful planning and coordination with local and state agencies to ensure full compliance with environmental and safety standards.
In support of this project, in 2024 the Jefferson Parish Council Planning Advisory Board and Jefferson Parish Council approved a Special Permitted Use (SPU) permit to enable facility construction. The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality also reviewed and approved the facility's air permit application.
Both Cornerstone and UBE are committed to meeting community needs and addressing any concerns by working with third-party consultants to review permit applications and engaging with local fire and environmental teams to ensure a safe, responsible project rollout.
Cornerstone prioritizes open communication and community involvement. Throughout the planning for UBE’s new facility, Cornerstone and UBE have actively involved local stakeholders, hosting events and meetings to share updates, answer questions, and gather community feedback.
Throughout 2024, representatives participated in more than 30 community events, offering insights into environmental safeguards and addressing project questions. By sharing air quality assessments and safety protocols, we aim to ensure the community understands our dedication to environmental responsibility and public safety.
Cornerstone and UBE will continue these transparency efforts with regular updates to civic associations, environmental groups, and community stakeholders as the project progresses.
Thank you to the Times-Picayune for spotlighting our joint effort with UBE. We're proud to support the Japan-based chemical manufacturer's vision of advancing green technology and energy solutions here in the United States.
By fostering sustainable manufacturing and innovation, we’re paving the way for a resilient future in Jefferson Parish.
Stay connected with Cornerstone as we work to create a cleaner, greener, and safer tomorrow. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates or contact our team directly today.