AECOM’s modernization project at Axiall’s polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins production plant in Plaquemine, Louisiana, began just eight months after Hurricane Katrina devastated the region. Selected to provide front-end design, detailed engineering, procurement and construction, AECOM faced many challenges, including a major shortage of skilled construction workers following the hurricane. As a result, the project team used a modular design and construction approach to minimize on-site construction, eliminate large site crews and camp facilities, and maximize labor productivity and quality control.
By using this approach, AECOM reduced the cost of the project by $5.5 million and completed the work one and a half months ahead of schedule. The plant modifications and the addition of another production line allowed Axiall to increase its PVC production to 200,000 tons per year, as well as improve operating efficiency.