Built for What’s Next: How D&Z Helped Braskem Stay Powered and Productive During Electrical Upgrade

Large-scale, high-voltage electrical projects demand not only technical expertise but also an unwavering adherence to the highest standards in safety and project management. When Braskem, the largest polyolefins producer in the Americas and a leading producer of biopolymers on an industrial scale, set out to modernize the electrical infrastructure at its site in Kenova, West Virginia, the high stakes and complexity of the project required a construction partner with technical expertise across multiple trades and a track record of successful large-scale projects performed safely without disrupting operations.  

Day & Zimmermann was selected to lead the 20-month effort, which involved creating a solid work planning package, careful customer coordination, and providing the right quantity and quality of skilled craft when and where Braskem needed it. Over the course of the project, the D&Z team worked more than 150,000 union labor hours, with a peak crew of 85 craft professionals. The result was a comprehensive electrical upgrade delivered efficiently and safely with zero incidents. 

Project Scope  

The expansive work scope included: 

• Assembling and installing five new Power Distribution Centers (PDCs) 

• Pulling, terminating, and testing nearly 145,000 feet of cable—covering high-voltage, 600V, and fiber optic 

• Installing 16 new transformers, four capacitor unit enclosures, and 350 feet of bus duct 

• Drilling 205 piers and constructing new foundations to support the upgraded systems 

• Installing and modifying 345 tons of structural steel 

• Replacing five cooling tower pumps and integrating them into the existing mechanical systems 

Collaborative Advantage 

The project’s success was driven by D&Z’s partnership with Braskem that facilitated the exploration of solutions tailored to the customer’s needs, technical oversight, and strong coordination among civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical teams. D&Z took a proactive approach throughout the effort, identifying potential issues early, and adjusting sequencing to keep the schedule on track. 

Helping Braskem Do Its Best Work Better 

This project wasn’t just about upgrading infrastructure — it was about preparing Braskem for long-term reliability and growth. With D&Z’s experienced project leadership, strong labor relations, and highest commitment to safety and quality, Braskem met its infrastructure modernization goals without compromising ongoing operations. The project’s successful completion helps position Braskem for an enduring future of creating sustainable solutions through chemicals and plastics that improve people’s everyday lives.