BP lauds Whiting refinery overhaul as largest IN investment ever WHITING, Ind., Dec. 19 (UPI) -- BP said its overhaul of the Whiting oil refinery in Indiana represents the largest private sector investment in state history. BP announced its $4 billion upgrade at the Whiting oil refinery was completed with the commissioning of a new unit. Refinery manager Nick Spencer said the project represents the largest investment in Indiana history. "Our investment in Whiting's future shows BP's commitment to safely providing energy and jobs in America," he said in a statement Wednesday. The Whiting facility employs 1,900 people. Ian Conn, downstream manager for BP, said the overhaul means the facility is ready to process more Canadian crude oil, which is cheaper than rival grades. "This world-class refinery is in the right location with the right equipment to process growing supplies of North American crude oil, including heavy grades from Canada," he said in a statement. BP said the refinery is going through a troubleshooting phase and production should increase at the new 102,000 barrel per day unit by early next year. Whiting, the largest regional refinery, can process 405,000 bpd.