Monsanto to expand Luling site for $975m

US agrochemical company Monsanto has finalised its plans for a $975m expansion of its Luling manufacturing site in Texas.

Over the next three months, the company plans to invest in its St Charles Parish operations with an aim of producing the active weed-control herbicide dicamba, which is used to protect crops.

The production of Dicamba will help Monsanto support the launch of its Roundup Ready Xtend Crop System.

Slated to be completed in early 2019, the expansion project is expected to generate 95 new direct jobs with an average of $76,500 every year, along with 20 other contractor jobs.

Monsanto will retain 645 jobs in Luling, while according to estimations made by Louisiana Economic Development, the expansion project will add another 450 permanent, indirect jobs.

The project is also expected to offer 1,000 construction jobs to the local residents.

Governor John Bel Edwards said: "We’re encouraged by Monsanto’s vote of confidence in Louisiana as a great place to do business and a vital part of its manufacturing operations.

"Along the way, we will be supporting farmers across the state and our nation with products made here in St Charles Parish."

The initial plan to expand the Luling site was announced by Monsanto and the State of Louisiana last June.

With its completion, the site will be able to supply between 25% and 35% of eventual market demand for dicamba-based products.