Worley Lands US Battery Materials Contract to Build America’s First LiPF₆ Plant

By Josua Ferreira -

Worley lands Orbia contract for US-first LiPF₆ facility

Worley Limited (ASX: WOR) has been awarded an engineering and design services contract by Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials to deliver engineering, supply chain, and modularization services for Orbia’s first large-scale lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆) production facility in the United States. The contract value has not been disclosed. Located in St. Gabriel, Louisiana, the facility is designed to produce up to 10,000 tonnes of LiPF₆ per year, supporting domestic battery materials supply across the US.

What Worley will deliver — and why LiPF₆ matters

Scope of work

Under the contract, Worley will provide engineering and full supply chain services, including modularization and construction support services, delivered through its Louisiana office with backing from the Global Integrated Delivery (GID) team. The scope also includes automating manual operator tasks within the process to the maximum extent possible, supporting Orbia’s operations at the facility.

This engagement extends Worley’s involvement from previous phases of the project, reflecting an established working relationship with Orbia rather than a first-time appointment.

What is LiPF₆ and why does it matter to investors?

Lithium hexafluorophosphate is a specialised chemical compound that sits at the heart of the lithium-ion battery supply chain. For investors tracking the energy transition materials space, the construction of a large-scale domestic facility carries notable supply chain implications.

Key facts:

  • What it is: LiPF₆ is an essential electrolyte salt used in lithium-ion batteries
  • Supply chain position: It is a critical upstream battery material, required before cells can be manufactured
  • Why US domestic production matters: Onshore production reduces US reliance on offshore supply, supporting domestic energy security
  • Facility capacity: Up to 10,000 tonnes of LiPF₆ per year once operational

Demand for LiPF₆ is closely linked to electric vehicle (EV) adoption and grid-scale battery storage growth, making this an area of increasing strategic interest for both industrial services firms and materials investors.

Strategic fit for Worley’s energy transition growth

The contract adds further weight to Worley’s positioning in the energy transition materials sector, an area the company has identified as a growth priority alongside its traditional energy and chemicals work. Worley describes its strategy as “bridging two worlds,” moving towards more sustainable energy sources, while helping to provide the energy, chemicals and resources needed now.

Chris Ashton, Chief Executive Officer

“This award reflects our capability to support increased customer demand for work in energy transition materials. We are pleased to continue the work we have done in previous phases of this strategically important project for Orbia, supporting the lithium‑ion battery supply chain.”

The continuation of work with Orbia across multiple project phases points to a durable customer relationship in a segment that is attracting significant capital investment. As the US battery materials supply chain scales, Worley’s established presence and delivery capability in Louisiana positions the company to remain active in this growing market.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆) and why is it important for batteries?

Lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆) is a critical electrolyte salt used in lithium-ion batteries, sitting upstream in the battery supply chain and required before battery cells can be manufactured, making it essential for EV production and grid-scale energy storage.

What contract has Worley won with Orbia?

Worley Limited (ASX: WOR) has been awarded a contract by Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials to provide engineering, supply chain, and modularization services for the United States' first large-scale LiPF₆ production facility in St. Gabriel, Louisiana, which is designed to produce up to 10,000 tonnes per year.

Why does the US need its own LiPF₆ production facility?

Domestic production of LiPF₆ reduces US reliance on offshore supply chains for a critical battery material, supporting national energy security and the growing demand driven by electric vehicle adoption and grid-scale battery storage expansion.

How does this contract fit into Worley's broader strategy?

The Orbia contract aligns with Worley's stated strategy of expanding into energy transition materials as a growth priority, complementing its traditional energy and chemicals work and reflecting what the company describes as "bridging two worlds" between conventional and sustainable energy.

Is Worley a new contractor on the Orbia LiPF₆ project?

No — this contract extends Worley's involvement from previous phases of the same project, indicating an established multi-phase working relationship with Orbia rather than a first-time appointment.

Josua Ferreira
By Josua Ferreira
Partnership Director
Josua Ferreira holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Advertising and brings a background in publication, business development, and ASX market storytelling. He has worked with listed companies across the resource sector and broader market, combining sharp commercial instincts with a genuine commitment to keeping investors informed.
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