Lima Refinery
Husky Energy Inc. operates the oil refinery based in Lima, Ohio. The Canadian based company purchased the facility from Valero Energy Corporation in 2007. The final price for this transaction was $1.9 billion.
Just two months after the sale was finalized, a small fire broke out in one of the plant's electrical stations. The fire did not have a chance to grow as vigilant employees reacted quickly and were able to put out the flames. Because of the fire, electrical power was lost within the plant for a short period of time.
While the extent of the damage was being surveyed, the refinery continued to operate, but only at 25% capacity. A thorough examination was done to be certain of how much damage was sustained during the brief fire. After the damage was assessed, the plant was shut down for an entire month while repairs and maintenance to the facility were underway. During this time, Husky took steps to cover all of the plant's maintenance needs, which should allow the company to work throughout all of 2008 without any necessary work on the equipment.
Prior to the purchase of the plant by Husky, the facility faced a very serious issue. Many of the products that were utilized within the plant were made out of asbestos. When asbestos was discovered, it was considered to be an ideal material for construction products such as insulation, and any item that was required to withstand very hot temperatures. It was used in products that were prevalent in offices, homes, schools and perhaps most of all, oil refineries.
Several years later, the discovery was made that asbestos was actually harmful to the health of any person who was exposed to it. The material is comprised of fibers, and when those fibers enter the air, they can become lodged on most any surface or breathed in, where they will sit within the respiratory system for many years. These inhaled fibers are very dangerous, and can cause respiratory damage and a life threatening form of cancer known as mesothelioma. Any plant employee who worked within the facility while these asbestos filled products were in use should inform their healthcare practitioner and set an appointment for an examination.
The Lima Refinery was founded in 1886, and has grown considerably over the years. The plant now has the ability to produce 158,400 barrels of crude oil on a daily basis, and employs up to 384 people at any given time. It is estimated that about 25% of the gasoline that residents of Ohio purchase was processed at the Lima facility.
Last modified: December 09, 2009.
