TESSENDERLO GROUP INVESTS IN NEW ELECTROLYSIS UNIT
Tessenderlo Chemie NV is planning to build a new electrolysis unit in Tessenderlo, which should be operational by the end of 2004. The procedure to obtain the necessary permits is in progress.
Due to the planned construction Tessenderlo Group will extend its caustic soda and potash capacity with more than 100,000 tonnes per year. This investment will also meet the growing demand for MVC, a raw material for PVC, and for toluene derivatives which are used extensively in fine chemical applications such as pharmaceuticals (e.g. antibiotics), agrochemicals and the flavourings and fragrances industry.
The new installation uses membrane technology.
Tessenderlo Group, one of the European market leaders in caustic potash, will therefore be able to achieve a sharp increase in its caustic potash capacity and reinforce its leading position in the market. As a result of this investment 150,000 tonnes of caustic potash will be available per year. This will make it possible to compensate for the emerging and growing European deficit.
Tessenderlo Group is an international chemicals group with over 112 branches in 22 countries. About 8,000 people work for the group, of which 2,500 are located in Belgium. The company's consolidated turnover totalled EUR 1,818 million in 2000, from its five main areas of activity (inorganic chemicals, fine chemicals, natural organic products, PVC, plastics converting). The group is a European or world leader in most of its product areas.
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