LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — A longtime cornerstone of the Lima-area economy is celebrating a major milestone this year.
The Cenovus Lima Refinery is marking 140 years of continuous operation, making it the oldest continuously operating refinery in the nation. Lima Refinery General Manager Dean Hempfling highlighted the refinery’s economic impact while speaking to local business leaders during the Lima Allen County Chamber of Commerce’s Wake, Rattle and Roll event.
“When you look at our employment numbers, I mean, we have about 900 direct employees between contractors and our employees working every day,” Hempfling said. “And that leads to almost 13,000 induced jobs between people who are working in the restaurants, buying food, supplying the refinery. So, it's an incredible impact. All told, it's about a $20 billion impact to the economy of this region.”
Hempfling also said the Lima refinery produces the largest amount of product within the Cenovus family of refineries.
