Ting Tsung Chao

Ting Tsung "T.T." Chao (1921 – March 7, 2008) was a Taiwanese-American engineer. He was a pioneer in international petrochemical and plastics industries in Asia and North America.

History Chao was born in Suzhou, Jiangsu, China. Chao graduated from Shanghai University with a degree in Industrial Management and began a career in the railroad industry. After the Second World War Chao relocated to Taiwan and created the first polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plant. The plant began production in 1957 and assisted in Taiwan's economic development. His son, James Y. Chao, is currently chairman of Westlake Chemical. His second son, Albert Chao, is president and CEO.

In 2005, Chao received the Petrochemical Heritage Award. Chao was inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame in 2011.

Family As of 2015, his family was ranked 39th in America's richest families with an estimated net worth of $7.2 billion. The family was ranked 4th richest family in Texas.