VIDALIA — Vidalia’s industrial sector got another boost of confidence Wednesday as BASF Chemical Company announced they are investing $20 million into the production facility in Vidalia.

The investment will span an 18-month period with the goal of creating a manufacturing environment for activated alumina adsorbent products at the Vidalia plant on Louisiana 131, a BASF press release said.

The long-term improvement project aims to increase production capacity and operating capabilities in Vidalia, while transferring production from BASF’s smaller adsorbents plant in Port Allen, La., which is expected to discontinue operations in 2013.

“A detailed project plan has been established to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for BASF, its customers and its employees,” said Gary Hutchison, site manager for both the Port Allen and Vidalia operations. “We look forward to successfully implementing this ambitious site enhancement project, which will position us for long-term growth in the global adsorbents market.”

The Port Allen plant employs approximately 20 people, while the Vidalia plant employs approximately 50 people.

BASF Director of Global Communications Joseph M. Jones said the investment will open up 8 to 10 new jobs in the Vidalia plant and the company will attempt to transition other Port Allen employees to a larger operating site in Gesmar, La.

“Part of the reason we announced the plan this early, is to work with these 20 people to mange suitable employment transition opportunities to either Vidalia or Gesmar,” Jones said. “Really it’s about defining their desires and coming up with options to manage a career transition.”

The Vidalia plant will begin producing the same items produced at the Port Allen plant to prepare for the transition.

Jones said the majority of the investment will be used to purchase new equipment that won’t be transferred from the Port Allen facility and to optimize production.

While no new construction plans are slated in this investment, Jones said the possibility could become a reality in the future.

“At the moment that’s not part of the plan, but as the market develops in Vidalia that’s definitely a possibility.”

Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland said BASF has been a tremendous asset to the community and that he looks forward to bringing more thriving industry to the area.

“BASF has been a corporate citizen with us for many years, and we’re excited about them bringing more to Vidalia,” Copeland said. “Not only that, but they realize that Vidalia is a great place to consider to bring new industry and businesses.”

The Vidalia plant was commissioned in 1983.

Heather Malone, Concordia Parish Economic and Industrial Development District executive director, said the expansion adds more employment opportunities, but is also being a good recruiting tool for future businesses.

“We expect to see an increase in employment at the plant due to this expansion which improves the quality of our workforce,” Malone said. “We feel that the business climate in Vidalia helped them make the decision to expand at their Vidalia facility.”

Malone attributed the success of Vidalia’s industrial sector to Copeland and the Board of Aldermen.

“They have worked for many years to create the business climate we have to offer today,” Malone said. “The only way to continue growing is to continue identifying the needs of our area and making sure those needs are met.  You can’t expect economic growth by maintaining the status quo.”