Arkema announces $ 45 M investment for a Fluorochemicals plant at its Calvert City facility in the United States

02/15/06, Arkema, the world’s second largest fluorochemicals producer, announces an investment of the order of $ 45 M to convert one of its Calvert City (Kentucky) units, using Arkema-patented technology, to produce the HFC-32 next-generation refrigerant fluid.
HFC-32 is an essential component of tomorrow’s refrigerant blends (HFCs or HydroFluoroCarbons), including Forane® 410A which has emerged as the successor to HCFC-22 refrigerant. Scheduled to begin its phase-out by the year 2010 in North America, Forane®22 will be replaced by Forane®410A over the next few years.
According to Pierre Chanoine, Group President of Arkema’s Fluorochemicals Division, « with this investment, Arkema will strengthen its position as a leader in the development of new HFC fluorochemicals, and assist its customers in their transition to the growing HFC blend technology ».
A strategic facility to supply the North American market
Scheduled for startup in 2007, the world-scale Calvert City HFC-32 refrigerant production plant will benefit from the technological experience of the Zaramillo HFC-32 production plant launched successfully in Spain in 2003. With this capacity addition, Arkema’s Calvert City plant will become the world’s largest HFC-32 production site, benefiting from proven technology, an ideal location to supply the North American market, and experienced personnel. The project confirms Arkema’s commitment to environmentally sound new-generation refrigerants.
Arkema, a world leader in fluorochemicals
The world’s second largest fluorochemicals producer, Arkema currently operates four industrial facilities: Pierre-Bénite in France, Zaramillo in Spain, Changshu in China, and Calvert City in the United States. The products manufactured in these plants are sold under the Forane® trademark to the refrigeration and air-conditioning (construction and automobile), insulating foam, solvent, and aerosol industries.
A global chemical player, Arkema consists of 3 coherent and balanced business segments: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. Present in over 40 countries with 18,600 employees, Arkema achieves sales of 5.2 billion euros. With its 6 research centers in France, the United States and Japan, and internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in its principal markets.

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