Pensacola Chemical Complex, Florida

Located 12 miles north of Pensacola, on the Escambia River near the town of Gonzalez, is a major petrochemical production site, operated by several companies. The principle product is nylon 6,6, appearing as both a fiber used for carpets and clothing, and as a polymer chip, used by the automotive and electronic industries. Also produced here is adiptic acid, used in both the production of nylon and in foods (such as Jell-o), and maleic anhydride, used mainly in the production of fiberglass reinforced resins. The complex was first developed by Monsanto in 1953, and covers more than 2,000 acres. In 1997, Monsanto spun off its Chemicals Division to form Solutia Inc. In 2009, Soutia sold its Integrated Nylon Division, which was then renamed Ascend Performance Materials. Currently Ascend operates the facility owned by Huntsman Corporation, one of the largest chemical manufacturers in the world. Also on site is ExxonMobil Chemical's Pensacola Specialty Elastomers Plant, which produces Santoprene TPV, a thermoplastic elastomer (a sort of rubber-plastic hybrid), used in automotive, electrical, healthcare, and consumer applications.