Exxon Mobil plans to spend $2 billion to expand its Baytown plant which will create 2,000 temporary construction jobs. (Exxon Mobil photo)

HOUSTON (AP) Exxon Mobil said it plans to spend $2 billion to expand a chemical plant next to the Houston Ship Channel and that the project will create 2,000 temporary construction jobs.

The company said on May 2 it will build a new unit at the Baytown plant to make chemical compounds that give plastics more elasticity and flexibility, and produce ingredients used in engine and industrial oils.

Exxon said the facility should begin operating in 2022.

CEO Darren Woods said the expansion will help Exxon take advantage of its oil and natural gas production in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico.

The company believes global demand for chemicals will grow faster than demand for energy over the next 20 years.

Exxon announced other changes at the Baytown site in 2017.

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