Jun 23, 2025 By Jeff Kotula 3 min read

Recent national headlines have highlighted the immense scale and importance of the American chemistry industry – a sector that contributes $633 billion annually to our national economy and supports over four million jobs. Beyond these impressive figures, Americans inherently understand that chemistry is essential to our daily lives.

In fact, a recent national, bipartisan survey by the American Chemistry Council (ACC) found that overwhelming majorities recognize the chemical industry as crucial for developing lifesaving medicines and medical devices (83%), powering U.S. energy production (81%), driving technological innovation (79%), creating consumer products (77%), and maintaining America’s competitive edge globally (76%). This same survey revealed strong public support for policies that strengthen our domestic chemical manufacturing capabilities, allowing for the development of advanced and sustainable chemistries while upholding the highest safety and environmental standards.

In Washington County, this national sentiment is not an abstract concept but a reality. Our region’s chemical industry, particularly its dynamic plastics and advanced materials manufacturing sectors, serves as key economic drivers, fostering innovation, and strengthening our community by transforming local resources, including natural gas liquids, into new, usable products, positioning our county as a leader in creating the materials that define modern life.

Washington County’s manufacturing impact extends across several key companies. Washington Penn Plastics is a cornerstone of our plastics sector. It is a major employer for hundreds of residents with a global reach anchored by strong local roots. They supply custom polyolefins for automotive manufacturers and are pivotal in developing lightweight, sustainable materials for the evolving electric and autonomous vehicle market. In medical and personal care, their precise controlled formulations are crucial for equipment and devices, offering features like antimicrobial technology.

Further strengthening our industrial base, Ensinger Inc., with its North American headquarters in Washington, is a significant force in high-performance engineering plastics, serving critical sectors worldwide. That spirit of innovation is shared across the county with CBP Engineering Corp. specializing in advanced ceramic-lined products, including pipes and tiles, providing critical abrasion and corrosion resistance for demanding industries such as mining, power generation, and steel production.

Also in Washington, Jet-Lube, LLC/Deacon manufactures high-temperature sealants and injectable packings, essential for maintaining operational integrity in challenging industrial environments across sectors like petrochemicals and power generation. And in Donora, RETAL PA develops and manufactures high-quality plastic packaging solutions, including preforms, closures, containers, and films.

Our county is on a positive trajectory, with an attractive business environment, low taxes, and strong development support. The chemical, plastics, and advanced manufacturing industries are vital partners in this progress, contributing to our economic diversification, aligning with the Washington County Chamber of Commerce’s vision of our region leading not just in natural gas production but also in the products that are derived from it.

We need the chemical and plastics manufacturing sectors for the skilled jobs, innovative products that improve lives, and for a sustainable future. This collective industry is more than just molecules and materials; it is a catalyst for regional competitiveness and a cornerstone of our county’s prosperity.

Jeff Kotula is president of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.