About Lacq

The Lacq Basin is both an industrial adventure (oil was discovered in 1949 and gas in 1951) and a social one (creation of the city of Mourenx).

Before 1951, the Lacq basin was essentially rural. In 1951, the discovery and exploitation of natural gas transformed the basin into an industrial hub.

In less than 5 years, an industrial complex was created, first centred on gas, then with more diversity, to eventually become today a major industrial centre in the field of chemistry and soon green chemistry (2007).

At the same time, some companies settled on the basin, attracted by the wealth of the site (The Pechiney Aluminium factory of Noguères).

A characteristic of Lacq is its high content in sulfur. Consequently, this product has rapidly been used (as a liquid or solid) to develop a wide range of by-products.

From the chemistry of extracting, the Lacq basin thus turned toward the chemistry of sulfur. When the end of the reserves (2012-2014) was announced, the local government decided (in the seventies) on a change for the industrial basin: more diversity and re-industrialization. That’s why the SOBEGI hub was created in 1975. Its principle is the following: grounds, distribution networks, and mutual services (waste recycling, maintenance, studies...) are made available for all.

Today, 13 units of chemistry production operate on this hub, with 600 employees. Chemistry constitutes the main activity. The companies are on 4 areas where they have an environment, services, raw materials, as well as real easiness to employ staff that is trained to the risk culture of Seveso.

These assets have also convinced the company Abionergie France to implant a bioethanol unit production on the grounds of Induslacq in Lacq, thus reconciliating (half a century later) industry and agriculture.

Presentation of the Company
Presentation of the Energetic Products´ Market
Presentation of the Oil and Gas Production