Solvay opens specialty surfactant plant in Germany

Solvay has inaugurated its specialty surfactants plant at the industrial park in Genthin, Germany, to meet customer requirements in the fast-growing central & eastern European region for home & personal care, agrochemicals and oil & gas markets.
 
The inauguration marks the establishment of the first production unit of Solvay’s Global Business Unit Novecare in Germany and further expands Solvay’s regional presence, underscoring its commitment to the German domestic as well as neighbouring central and eastern European markets.
 
“This investment illustrates our commitment to bolster our leading positions in specialty surfactants in Europe and to support the development of our customers with innovative specialty solutions,” said Emmanuel Butstraen, Solvay Novecare President.
 
The expanded production capacities will enable Solvay to meet the growing demand for amphoteric surfactants from local customers and enhance its service level. The plant will create some 30 new jobs.
 
Solvay Novecare operates 37 sites worldwide, with six plants based in Europe, along with seven research & innovation centres.
 
“Germany is among the most important countries to drive our growth in the Central European region. The coming on stream of this plant adds to Novecare’s European manufacturing footprint and strengthens our competitive advantages,” said Patrice Pinsard, Vice President and General Manager EMEA, Solvay Novecare.
 
The new plant will produce specialty surfactants that aid in the delivery of functional performance attributes such as cleansing, dispersal, moisturising and texturising qualities. The unit has already produced trial batches and with production set to start on the fourth quarter of 2014, Solvay is uniquely positioned to serve the dynamic central and eastern European market as well as its many customers around the world.