The world’s first petrochemical plant was constructed by Union Carbide Corporation in 1920 at Clendenin, West Virginia. By 1925 the manufacture of chemicals had grown to the point that another plant was leased (later purchased), and the Clendenin operation and personnel were moved to the new location at South Charleston, West Virginia.
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The research, development and production experience at Clendenin paved the way for the growth of the South Charleston Site that occupies Blaine Island and extends across the Kanawha River into Charleston. Many of the plant’s current product lines were developed and first produced at the South Charleston Site. They were later moved to other plants when increased production capacity became necessary. Major corporate products were produced at the plant and over time, other major technological advances developed here including olefin gas separation techniques and vinyls technology. Other major technological advances developed here including olefin gas separation techniques and vinyls technology.
