Celanese Pampa Plant Site, Texas

The Dallas-based Celanese Chemical Company made acetic acid (used commonly as a solvent and as a base chemical), and acetic anhydride (used in making acetate films) at this plant until it closed in 2009. The plant opened in 1952, and at its peak in the 1980s into the 1990s, employed as many as 500 people. In 1987, multiple explosions and fires killed three workers and destroyed much of the facility. The plant was rebuilt in 13 months, and returned to full production until its closure. In 2013, construction began on a new methanol plant on the site.