Our relationship with the community began more than 60 years ago. We were first attracted by an unusual geographical feature. It was a giant underground salt dome. Because salt is one of the essential elements in our manufacturing process, Olin Chlor Alkali built a plant here, and operations started in 1952.

More than 300 people come to work at Olin McIntosh every day. Olin spends more than $85 million a year with all sorts of local businesses, purchasing goods and services that support more than 300 local jobs. Olin generates another $1.5 million in annual taxes—taxes that go to schools, to community services and development, and to those in need.

As a corporate neighbor, it’s important that we add value to life in McIntosh. Adding value means giving of ourselves to charitable and worthwhile efforts in the community, whether it’s creating them or contributing to them. Olin McIntosh is the third-largest contributor to United Way for Southwest Alabama. We also support education in McIntosh Community schools. Recently, we donated property that was converted to a beautiful walking trail and a boat landing. We continue to support the McIntosh Area Betterment Association, an organization that provides funding for worthwhile projects, such as the community center, the public library, the fire department and the rescue squad. Besides our involvement with the Area Betterment Association, we fund an annual two-year scholarship to Alabama Southern Community College. And many of our employees work as volunteers supporting such organizations and programs as United Way, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, Little League, Sheriff’s Reserve, Relay for Life and other worthy causes.

McIntosh reflects quiet, small-town life. Residents enjoy afternoon softball games, family picnics or long conversations on the porch with good neighbors. Those looking for cultural, entertainment and recreational opportunities found in a larger city can drive to nearby Mobile.

There they can enjoy the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, the Bellingrath Gardens, a floral paradise that’s also home port of an authentic riverboat, the Southern Belle. Those interested in history can visit the U.S.S. Alabama Battleship Memorial Park to view the ship, as well as authentic fighter planes and military equipment.

There’s also the Mobile Symphony, Ballet and Theatre Guild, Mobile Mystics hockey, and the Bay Bears AA baseball team. If you enjoy parties, Mobile throws some great ones, including the March Azalea Trail run and the original Mardi Gras festival!

One of our main goals at the Olin McIntosh plant is a safe working and living environment for our employees, their families and our neighbors. Olin McIntosh has invested $45 million in plant improvements, including new hydrochloric acid burners, essential maintenance and repair, and additional equipment upgrades. Olin takes precautions to ensure that no employee or community member is ever put at risk.

That kind of performance has led to a number of environmental and safety awards. We recently received the Alabama Department of Environmental Management Pollution Prevention Award. The department presented us with the award for our efforts in preserving the “Treasured Forest.” We also received the Norfolk Southern Thoroughbred Award for the seventh year in a row for “incident-free handling” of chemical rail shipments, and Olin McIntosh also is OSHA VPP star certified. This certification is awarded for doing an excellent job in putting our people's safety and health first.