When considering an investment in a refinery, chemical plant or other manufacturing facility, the investor needs a degree of assurance that the investment is a sound decision. Jacobs Consultancy’s Petroleum, Chemicals & Energy Practice assists investors by providing due diligence services that seek to identify business risks through a comprehensive review process. The process encompasses some or all of the following key determinants of business performance:

Business Operations

• Validation of client’s financial model for target facility and proposed projects
• New project assessments
• Safety performance and safety procedure
• Human resource issues
• Status of operating permits
• Key contractual documents and obligations
• Environmental compliance with applicable state, province, country or World Bank regulations

Physical Assets

• Assessment of plant operating performance
• Assessment of historic downtime and analysis of unplanned outages
• Schedule for catalyst replacements and turnarounds
• Inspection and operating reports for major equipment items
• Plant inspection and asset condition check
• Maintenance program and implementation of maintenance program

Markets

• Assessment of historic and forecast global, regional or local supply/demand situation and trade flows
• Forecast feedstock and product price
• Assessment of target company’s economic competitiveness within industry
• Review impact of anticipated structural or regulatory changes in market

Our extensive background in both technical and financial aspects of the Petroleum, Chemicals & Energy industries is invaluable when determining the viability of a project that may require significant capital commitment.

We also understand that project turnaround is critical. Investment decisions require immediate, defendable answers, so our staff is dedicated to working to the client’s schedule while delivering accurate and valuable insight.

As part of our investment assignments, our services include:

• Identification of key economic factors, issues, and risks associated with a proposed investment
• Determination of the capital outlay (if any) necessary for the facility to enhance its long-term profitability
• Recommendations for specific courses of action to minimize the client's exposure to risk and provide a better return on investment