LANXESS is expanding its global production network for inorganic pigments in China. A new high-tech facility for premium iron oxide red pigments is being constructed at the Ningbo Chemical Park on the Chinese East Coast.
The plant, with modern environmental standards, will initially have an annual capacity of 25,000 metric tons. The investment of approximately €55 million will create 150 new jobs. Construction will begin in the second quarter 2013. The production startup is scheduled for the first quarter of 2015.
LANXESS will manufacture high quality iron oxide red pigments at the new plant using an improved and highly sustainable Penniman process. "With our advanced and innovative production process, we are raising the bar for the production of iron oxide pigments worldwide especially in terms of water treatment, waste gas cleaning and energy consumption," said Joerg Hellwig, head of the inorganic pigments business unit. "In addition, the new plant will strengthen our global production network of existing plants in Germany, China and Brazil."
The company will market their yellow shaded red pigments globally under the brand Bayferrox. Key customers are manufacturers of paints and coatings. Furthermore the construction and plastics industries will be supplied.
LANXESS already operates one of China's largest and most modern plants for iron oxide pigments in Jinshan, Shanghai. This plant has an annual capacity of 38,000 metric tons of high-quality iron oxide yellow and black pigments each year.
