Bold new leadership. A promising new direction. A collaborative
state and local partnership. Combined, these elements convinced
Albemarle Corp. to make one of the most significant business
decisions and investments in the Fortune 1000 company's
history.
In May 2008, Albemarle announced the relocation of its corporate
headquarters from Richmond, Va., to Baton Rouge, La. The company,
which develops, manufactures and markets engineered specialty
chemicals, had been located in Virginia since its founding in
1993.
"It was ultimately the new administration's ability to drive
progressive initiatives for the state," said President and CEO
Mark Rohr, referring to the administration of recently elected Gov.
Bobby Jindal. "But it was also our confidence in the direction of
the city of Baton Rouge, as well as the city's close proximity to
many of our key customers and suppliers. It was clear that
Louisiana was the right choice for Albemarle."
Rohr added that Albemarle received a package of state and local
incentives that helped offset most of the company's relocation
expenses.
Other key deciding factors included Louisiana's recent ethics
reforms and the elimination of state sales tax on natural gas, Rohr
said. Spearheaded by Gov. Jindal and the state legislature, the
reforms caused Louisiana's ethics ranking to shoot from 46th in the
nation to fifth, according to the Better Government
Association.
Albemarle produces chemicals in three segments - polymer
additives, catalysts and fine chemicals - and provides products to
manufacturers of consumer electronics, building and construction
materials, automotive parts, packaging, pharmachemicals and
agrichemicals, and petroleum refiners in the United States and
internationally.
