Process plant Rx: Bayer's $1.2-billion chemical facility expansion takes 'best practices' from research to facility

Bayer Corp embarked on an ambitious $1.2 billion expansion of its chemical production plant in Baytown, TX, and adopted the eight best practices in construction to manage the project. The Pittsburgh, PA-based chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturer hired outside engineers and contractors to handle the construction program, which involved expanding three key production trains. Bechtel Corp, Fluor Daniel Inc and Kvaerner Process won the contracts, with the latter receiving four major projects. Bayer officials say that the expansion project has been a tremendous success in terms of product quality, construction safety, cost and schedule.