The Indian subsidiary of Clariant, a producer of specialty chemicals has acquired the black pigment preparations business of Lanxess, located at Nagda in Madhya Pradesh.
Lanxess manufactures black pigment preparations used for processing of viscose fibre, which goes in the production of mainly viscose-based apparels, knitwear, towels, bed-linen, etc.
“With this acquisition, Clariant in India gains additional pigment preparation capacity to cater to a larger, wider customer base,” it said in a press release.
Deepak Parikh, MD at Clariant Chemicals (India) said, “Over the last couple of years we have made significant strides in building a value proposition for our stakeholders”
“This has been done by sharpening our business focus and increasing our footprint in India and was achieved through organic resource optimisation and capitalising on inorganic value opportunities,” he added.
Sambit Roy, regional director (Marketing and Sales - Pigments) said, “The pigment preparations business has been the mainstay of our India operations and we continuously adapt product offerings to suit evolving customer needs.”
“This acquisition is a strategic decision to expand distribution networks and we will upgrade technical services and provide state-of-the-art technology in order to generate high quality products,” he noted.
The Indian operation of Clariant has local pigment production activities at Roha, Maharashtra and Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu.
In 2014, Clariant invested in the expansion of its Roha pigments facility, thereby strengthening its commitment to India.
Switzerland based Clariant is a globally leading specialty chemicals company and as on December 31, 2014, employed a total workforce of 17,003.
In 2014, Clariant recorded sales of CHF 6.116 billion for its continuing businesses and operates in four main business areas; Care Chemicals, Catalysis & Energy, Natural Resources and Plastics & Coatings.
Its corporate strategy is based on five pillars; increase profitability, reposition portfolio, add value with sustainability, foster innovation and R&D, and intensify growth.
Clariant Chemicals (India) apart from operating in the four key business areas is also involved in Pigments for coatings, printing, plastics and special applications.
The Indian operations also include business areas like Additives, Industrial & Consumer Specialties, Mining Services and Masterbatches.
Clariant India employs over 900 employees and generated sales of INR 10.08 billion in 2014 and in 2014, Clariant invested in a state-of-the-art Regional Innovation Center in Mumbai.
