UPDATED: Six major petrochemicals firms each have donated $1 million to relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.
The $1 million donations are coming from ExxonMobil Corp., Dow Chemical Co., Chevron Corp., Phillips 66, Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. LLC and Shell Chemicals. These firms have many employees in the region as well as production units that have been impacted by the storm, which hit the Texas coast on Aug. 25. More than 50 inches of rain have fallen, causing massive flooding in the Houston area.
On Sept. 1, ExxonMobil raised its commitment to $9.5 million, which also includes in-kind donations of $2.5 million and a program to match up to $6 million in donations from employees and retirees.
"Our thoughts remain with our families, friends and neighbors in Houston and other communities impacted by flooding and other effects of Hurricane Harvey," ExxonMobil Chairman and CEO Darren Woods said in a news release. "We will continue to assess needs and to assist government authorities and disaster relief agencies in providing critical goods and services to those in need."
Specialty materials maker Kraton Corp. has donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross for relief efforts and also will be helping employees affected by flooding, President and CEO Kevin Fogarty said in an Aug. 30 interview with Plastics News.
Fogarty said Houston-based Kraton has "at least a dozen" employees affected by the flooding. The firm's headquarters as well as its R&D center near Katy, Texas, remained closed as of Aug. 30. Kraton also will be matching employee donations to relief efforts with additional Red Cross donations up to a total of $25,000.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this unprecedented disaster, including our employees, partners and community members," Fogarty added in a news release.
"As the storm moves away from the Houston area, the aftermath recovery will likely reveal specific needs and demand for more support," he added. "Kraton will continue to assess the need for additional assistance and resources to help our community in the coming months."
LyondellBasell Industries and Saudi Basic Industries Corp. each are donating $200,000 as well. "We continue to reach out to employees in Houston to understand their situations and offer support and assistance," Sabic officials said in a statement.
LBI also has donated more than $15,000 worth of food to Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana to support disaster relief efforts in Lake Charles, La., which also was impacted by the storm.
Covestro LLC announced Aug. 31 that it was donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross for relief efforts. The company's largest North American manufacturing facility is in Baytown, Texas.