Corpus Christi Complex
In November of 1952, the ground breaking process was begun in Corpus Christi, Texas, for an oil refinery that would be known as the Corpus Christi Complex. This was to be a joint venture between two companies: Sunray and Tidewater. In honor of the collaboration, the plant was built on Suntide Road, a combination of the two company names. Before the plant was constructed, however, both companies backed out of the deal.
When the plant was completed, it was operated by Sunray DX Oil Company, who possessed it until 1968 when it was turned into a subsidiary of Sun Oil Company. The plant was sold again in 1981 to Koch Industries, part of the Flint Hills Resources group, and the name of the facility was changed to Koch Refining Company. Within a year, Koch Industries had also purchased a nearby plant that was then known as Gulf States Refinery. This facility was made part of the Koch Refining Company, and the company continued to expand its site and oil producing capabilities.
Under its new ownership, the plant succeeded not only at oil production, but at taking great safety measures. They were awarded status as both a Star and Superstar site by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Programs. This honor only goes to corporations that have shown a dedication to the safety of their employees, as well as the community they serve. The plant was also honored to receive the distinguished Distinguished Safety Award from the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association.
In 2005 the Corpus Christi Complex achieved quite a landmark in plant safety: the facility went through a 1,600 consecutive day period in which no employee had to miss any day at work due to illness or injury that occurred in the workplace. That is more than four years time without a single incident, which beat their previous record of 1,521 days.
Although the plant is well known for their safety measures since it was taken over by Koch Industries, at one point during its history it did have a flagrant safety hazard: the presence of asbestos. Asbestos is a material that was commonly used in many industrial products until it was found to be toxic. Exposure to the substance can lead to diseases within the respiratory system, and a form of cancer called mesothelioma. Because these diseases can do a great deal of damage and may even be fatal, anyone who spent time in a facility that utilized products that were made with asbestos is urged to see their doctor and relay that information to them.
Last modified: December 09, 2009.
