Methanex will begin building a methanol plant in Geismar, La. -- where BASF, Shell and Momentive also operate plants. The state boasts skilled workers, efficient industrial transportation and competitive capital costs, said Gary Rowan, vice president for corporate development at Methanex. Louisiana is moving to "position itself as the destination of choice for major, downstream projects that will utilize natural gas as a fuel and a feedstock," said state Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret.