Ohio Gov. Kasich Says Shell Tight-Lipped on Plant Location

March 7, 2012

Pennsylvania poses competitive challenge because of Shell's holdings in the area.

HOUSTON -- Ohio Gov. John Kasich said March 7 Royal Dutch Shell remains tight-lipped regarding its intention to build an ethane cracker in the Marcellus shale region.

The state may be in a solid position to attract the plant because it already has several gas processing facilities, Kasich said.

Kasich spoke with reporters just hours before Shell CEO Peter Voser was scheduled to address CERA Week energy conference attendees in Houston.

Ohio is also more stable politically and has demonstrated more favorable job growth than its competitors, Kasich said.

But Ohio faces some competitive challenges from Pennsylvania because Ohio is still early in its shale gas development and Shell already has holdings in Pennsylvania, Kasich said.

"Does it make more sense for them to go there? I don't know," Kasich said. "But what I do know is if we get a cracker in the Midwest it's going to help everybody."

Kasich said the local resins and auto industry could take advantage of the ethylene produced from the plant.

"So if it comes to the Midwest it's a win," Kasich said.

See Also
Could Shale Gas Create a Manufacturing Renaissance in Ohio?

About the Author

Jonathan Katz | Former Managing Editor

Former Managing Editor Jon Katz covered leadership and strategy, tackling subjects such as lean manufacturing leadership, strategy development and deployment, corporate culture, corporate social responsibility, and growth strategies. As well, he provided news and analysis of successful companies in the chemical and energy industries, including oil and gas, renewable and alternative.

Jon worked as an intern for IndustryWeek before serving as a reporter for The Morning Journal and then as an associate editor for Penton Media’s Supply Chain Technology News.

Jon received his bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Kent State University and is a die-hard Cleveland sports fan.