CITGO’s Lemont Refinery is celebrating a century of business this year. The milestone, according to a statement from the company, “commemorates 100 years of contributions by employees, contractors, retirees, elected officials and community partners in Lemont, Romeoville and Lockport who have helped shape the refinery’s history and support its role in meeting the region’s energy needs.”
Today, situated on 1,100 acres, the refinery processes crude oil into a variety of products including gasoline, diesel, propane and jet fuel.
“Reaching 100 years is a special accomplishment for any industrial operation,” said Carlos Jordá, president and CEO of CITGO Petroleum Corporation. “As we celebrate this milestone, we recognize the generations of employees whose dedication, skill and commitment have helped make the Lemont Refinery an enduring part of CITGO’s success. For a century, the refinery has played an important role in serving customers, supporting local economies and strengthening our position as one of America’s leading refiners. This anniversary honors that legacy while reinforcing our focus on the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Over the past 100 years, the refinery has grown from a crude capacity of 25,000 barrels per day (bpd) to more than 177,000 bpd.
Additionally, the refinery employs more than 1,000 full-time and contract employees. The refinery contributes nearly $300 million every year to the area’s economy, and its employees give thousands of volunteer hours supporting local organizations.
The centennial celebration includes a series of activities recognizing the refinery’s history, workforce and longstanding connections throughout the region. Rather than a single commemorative event, the anniversary will serve as a months-long celebration of the people and milestones that have contributed to the refinery’s success over the last century.
“For a century, people have come to work at this refinery each day with a shared sense of purpose and pride,” said Jim Cristman, vice president and general manager of the CITGO Lemont Refinery. “This anniversary belongs to those whose contributions have helped sustain and strengthen the refinery across generations. Their commitment is reflected not only in the facility itself, but in the relationships and shared history that have developed around it over the past 100 years.”
Commitment to Refinery Operations
As CITGO hits 100 years in Lemont, it is simultaneously investing in its Lake Charles Refinery. Earlier this month, the company announced the advancement of its Lake Charles Refinery Depentanizer Project, a $310 million investment that supports the long-term competitiveness of one of the country’s largest and most complex refineries.
The project will add new facilities and equipment to improve naphtha upgrading capabilities at the Lake Charles Refinery by converting lower-value streams into higher-value gasoline blend components. Once complete, the project is expected to increase refinery flexibility and enhance CITGO’s ability to meet continued U.S. demand for reliable transportation fuels.
“The Depentanizer Project reflects CITGO’s commitment to disciplined investments that enhance the strength and resilience of our refining system,” said Edgar Rincon at the time, CITGO Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “It also reinforces the strategic importance of the Lake Charles Refinery to our company, our customers and the broader U.S. energy market.”
The project is expected to be operational in 2029.
