Troy Shantz
The former BioAmber plant is expected to be up and running again this fall.
LCY Biosciences Inc., which purchased the bankrupt facility last year, plans to add 35 new hires and restart operations by the fourth quarter, the company says.
And it’s holding a job fair on June 26 to fill various positions
“We are essentially hiring all the positions, so primarily operations staff, maintenance staff, and administrative as well,” plant manager Trevor MacLeod told the Journal.
A division of Taiwan-based LCY Chemical Corp., LCY Biosciences will make capital improvements at the Vidal Street plant this summer. Like BioAmber, it will produce succinic acid, a building block that’s used in everything from plastics to paint and food.
The company intends to match BioAmber’s production levels, MacLeod said.
“This will be a one-of-a-kind for LCY Chemical Corp. It’s their first foray into bio-industrial.”
An estimated $30-million expansion is also planned before 2020 to create a nutraceutical operation, which will make products like vitamin A and beta carotene, he added.
BioAmber was the Crown jewel of Sarnia’s fledgling cluster of bio-based “green” companies before it declared bankruptcy and ceased operations in 2018, leaving 60 people unemployed.
It had opened in 2015 at a cost of $145 million, which included $51 million in government subsidies.
LCY purchased the plant and equipment for about $4.5 million, MacLeod said.
According to the company website, LCY Chemical Corp. produces methanol, solvents, electronic-grade chemicals, rubber, performance plastics, and energy.
It operates five plants in Taiwan, two in China, one in Qatar and one in Houston, Texas.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: LCY Biosciences Inc. Job Fair
WHEN: June 26, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
WHERE: Best Western Plus Guildwood Inn, 1400 Venetian Dr., Point Edward
OTHER: The company is seeking to fill various jobs, including operations, maintenance and administrative positions.