Multinational chemicals giant Kemira has unveiled a major investment for the expansion of its production facility in Tarragona, Spain, with the addition of a new aluminium chlorohydrate (ACH) production line. The investment, with an outlay of USD 23 million, is aimed at responding to the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region for high-performance water treatment chemicals.
The new cutting-edge plant will significantly boost Kemira's production capacity for ACH, a very cost-effective coagulant applied to many different water treatment applications. The new line is targeted to start production in early 2028, using technology already tested in the US and Poland. Demand is being fueled by stricter environmental rules, climate change and urbanisation.
Sustaining the increasing appetite for clean water
Aluminium chlorohydrate is one of the flagship products of Kemira's water treatment and industry business. It acts as a strong coagulant; it attaches to contaminants in water and creates larger particles (flocs) that are easily removed by filtration. It is more efficient at this than similar chemicals like aluminium sulphate and polyaluminium chloride.
This process is critical in the production of safe drinking water for municipalities and in the treatment of industrial and municipal wastewater prior to its discharge back into the environment. ACH is highly efficient in the treatment of raw water under cold temperatures and is renowned for its efficacy, which minimises the overall quantity of treatment chemicals needed.
Tuija Pohjolainen-Hiltunen, Executive Vice President of Kemira's Water Solutions business, said: "Our growth in Tarragona demonstrates our drive to offer more efficient, sustainable, and resilient water treatment solutions. Aluminium Chloro Hydrate is a technologically leading and environmentally friendly solution, particularly for urban sites that are increasingly affected by intense weather conditions."
The Tarragona facility is a key location for Kemira, providing good logistics and access to principal markets. Expansion is anticipated to utilise the newest production technologies to make the manufacturing process energy-efficient and with reduced environmental impact.
Responses
