"Expanding the skills and knowledge of Ohio's already top-notch workforce is of the utmost importance in ensuring our businesses remain competitive and successful," said Fisher, who also serves as director of the Ohio Department of Development. "I want to congratulate Lyondell on it's decision to invest in the future of it's Ohio operation and it's valuable workforce."

Lyondell Chemical Co., headquartered in Houston, Texas, is North America's third-largest independent, publicly traded chemical company and is the worlds second-largest producer of titanium dioxide (TiO2).

Lyondell's Ashtabula operation is the companys largest TiO2 production facility, accounting for 30 percent of the companys overall production. TiO2 is a powder made from titanium ore that has the ability to pigment virtually any material and gives plastics and rubber opacity and whiteness. The product is used in such diverse products as printing inks, paper, cosmetics, ceramics, soaps, sunscreens, glass, leather, synthetic fibers and colors formulated for art paints.

"The TiO2 market is very competitive and maintaining a well-trained workforce is critical to our success globally," said Scott Strayer, plant manager for Lyondells Plant 1 in Ashtabula. "This grant from the State of Ohio will allow us to hire and retain a skilled workforce from Ohio, ensuring that we are able to continue to be an important economic engine in Ashtabula County and the state."

Lyondells Ashtabula operations will invest approximately $13 million in machinery and equipment to replace current infrastructure, reduce costs and increase efficiency to remain one of the largest and highest paying industrial employers in Ashtabula County.

Ohio Investment in Training Program grants provide Ohio firms with up to 50 percent reimbursement to fund instructional costs, materials and training-related activities.

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