Swiss firm Clariant expands pigments capacity in Roha

Swiss specialty chemicals major Clariant has doubled its capacity for pigments and pigment preparations at its production facility in Roha, south-east of Mumbai. This higher output will enable the company to increase its market coverage in India and the neighbouring countries of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and to provide products better tailored to customer needs.
 
“The increase in capacity has been made possible with the introduction of the very latest equipment for high-end pigment preparation. The improved plant, in which Clariant has invested CHF 3.2 million (Rs 20 crores), forms part of a strategic program that the company has been carrying out in recent years to support customers in emerging markets with high quality pigments and pigment preparations that comply with local and international eco-labelling schemes,” said the company in a press release.
 
Pigments and pigment preparations produced at the Roha plant are for a wide range of applications, including interior and exterior coatings, packaging, personal, home and fabric care products seed coatings, and dispersions for printing.
 
“Clariant is investing across Asia to develop production, technical support and commercial service capabilities that will enable our customers in this rapidly growing region to be successful in growing their business. The enhanced capability in Roha complements improvements we have made and continue to make in our various operations in China, Indonesia, and elsewhere,” said Hariolf Kottmann, CEO of Clariant
 
Marco Cenisio, Senior Vice President & General Manager Business Unit Pigments, Clariant, added, “The capacity expansion in pigments and pigment preparations will support our dynamic growth in the domestic Indian market for high quality, environmentally safer colorants and point of sales tinters used by our customers in coatings, printing and other special applications where we continue to experience double digit growth.”
 
Last year, Clariant’s Pigments Business Unit doubled its marketing and sales organisation in Asia. It has strengthened its team of Regional Product Managers for both pigments and pigment preparations to support the growing number of customer requests. The Pigments Business Unit continues to bring new and innovative materials to the market, with a strong emphasis on environmental aspects and sustainability.