AkzoNobel inaugurated its new chlorine membrane electrolysis plant in the Rhein-Main area, Germany. The Frankfurt-based plant is the result of a major conversion and expansion project begun in 2011 involving a EUR 140M investment by the company. The plant’s capacity has been increased by 50% whilst the plant’s overall ecological footprint has been reduced by some 20%.
“This investment in our Specialty Chemicals business highlights the steps we are taking to strengthen our market positions and improve our performance as a company”, said AkzoNobel CEO Ton Büchner. Added Werner Fuhrmann, the company’s Executive Committee member responsible for Specialty Chemicals, “This plant produces building blocks for the manufacture of products we all use on a daily basis ranging from pharmaceuticals and tooth paste to door and window frames. By radically improving our efficiency and increasing our use of renewable energy, we can take significant steps in making these everyday essentials even more sustainable.”
To mark the inauguration, a special event is being held for employees, customers and other business partners. It will be attended by both Ton Büchner and Werner Fuhrmann, as well as Tarek Al-Wazir, Minister for Economy, Energy, Transport and Regional Development for the federal state of Hessen. Commercial production from the new plant expected to come on stream in the next few weeks.
