Learn More About Shell Norco
Shell Energy and Chemicals Park - Norco is home to Shell Oil Products US (Refining) and Shell Chemicals. The Refinery is designed to convert approximately 250,000 barrels per day of “medium sweet” crude oil. Chemicals manufactures ethylene, propylene and butadiene that are used to make many everyday materials and end products.
The facility is located in Norco, Louisiana next to the Mississippi River, about 20 miles west of New Orleans in St. Charles Parish on nearly 1,000 acres of land.
Our History
In 1916, the New Orleans Refining Company purchased 366 acres of sugar cane field from the Goodhope Plantation to establish a marine petroleum supply terminal. In 1920, the New Orleans Refining Company began refining oil and thus the name of the town – Norco. The Shell Petroleum Corporation, a forerunner of Shell Oil Company, acquired the Norco Refinery in 1929. The chemical plant was added in 1955.
In 1998, a merger with Texaco and Saudi Aramco made the refining and chemical business officially separate; Shell Norco Refining Company became a division of Motiva Enterprises. In 2002, Texaco exited the merger and Motiva Enterprises became a 50/50 joint venture between Shell and Saudi Aramco. In 2004, the West Site Chemical Operations leased to Resolutions Performance (Hexion). The lease with Hexion ended and W.R. Grace is currently leasing a portion of the site. Following the Motiva joint venture separation in May 2017, Shell assumed full ownership of the Norco Refinery.
Our Workforce
Approximately 1,100 employees staff Shell Norco. The workforce includes: Process Operators, Machinists, Instrument Mechanics, Electricians, Insulators, Pipefitters, Welders, Equipment Operators, Chemists, Engineers, Drafting, Financial, Environmental/Safety, Technology, Inspectors, Security, Administration, Training, Procurement, Human Resources and Communications professionals. Additionally, on average, more than 1,350 contractors work onsite daily to support the businesses.
Our Economic Impact
Shell Norco is one of the largest taxpayers in St. Charles Parish. Every year, Shell Norco contributes nearly $71 million in taxes, including both property, sales and use taxes. These funds help to improve infrastructure, support public schools and enhance social services across the community.
Throughout the year, Shell Norco spends $660 million with our contract partners in safety. We have an ongoing commitment to increase that spend with small, local, diverse and women-owned businesses across South Louisiana. In 2022, our procurement spend included 40 diverse suppliers, a number that we work to grow every year.
Our Products
Shell Refinery produces Gasoline (premium and regular grades, unleaded), Jet-A aviation fuel, Ultra Low Sulfur diesel, liquefied petroleum gases (i.e. propane, propylene, isobutane), and anode grade coke.
Shell Chemicals manufactures ethylene, propylene and butadiene to sell to other manufacturers for use in the production of antifreeze, tires, plastic food containers, trash bags, laundry detergent, cosmetics, adhesive, coatings, and film, as well as hundreds of other consumer and industrial materials and products.
In addition to the production of traditional fuels and chemicals, Shell Norco is internationally recognized for its “circular” manufacturing processes, converting plastic waste back into the basic building blocks needed for plastics and other chemical products that are a part of everyday life.
Shell Norco products are transported via ships, pipelines, barges, trucks and railcars.
Contact Us
Rochelle Touchard
Senior Corporate Relations Advisor
Office Phone: 504-465-6667
Cell Phone: 504-416-6190
Email: rochelle.touchard@shell.com
Katie Mitchell
Corporate Relations Advisor
Cell Phone: 337-912-8768
Email: Katie.K.Mitchell@shell.com
Physical Address
Shell Energy and Chemicals Park – Norco
15536 River Road
Norco, LA 70079
504 465 7111
Mailing Address
Post Office Box 10
Norco, LA 70079