- EUR 10 million invested in expansion started in April 2013 and completed by September 26, 2014.
- New production line for weak acid cation (WAC) exchange resins and food-compatible filling system inaugurated.
- Production capacity for WAC resins in Leverkusen increased by around one third.
- Lewatit resins used in water treatment, food and beverage industry, chemical catalysis, power plants, and pharmaceuticals.
Investment and Expansion
LANXESS has invested EUR 10 million in expanding its Leverkusen site, starting in April 2013 and completing by September 26, 2014. The expansion includes a new production line for weak acid cation (WAC) exchange resins and a cutting-edge food-compatible filling and packing system.
Increased Production Capacity
The new production line increases the production capacity for WAC resins in Leverkusen by around one third. This expansion aims to meet the growing global demand for special cation exchange resins, which is increasing at a rate of three to five percent annually.
Advanced Production and Safety
The production process for WAC resins involves creating polymer beads through emulsion polymerization. The process is highly automated to ensure reproducibility and consistency in quality. Sophisticated safety technology, including a triply redundant safety system, ensures the safe handling of the highly exothermic reaction.
Food-Compatible Filling System
The new food-compatible filling system sets high standards for product purity and quality. The facility includes a "white zone" designed to keep clean and contaminated areas separate, with filtered air and positive pressure to prevent impurities. Products are fed from silos into big bags and drums, weighed, labeled, and transported using a rail-bound system.
Applications and Market
Weak acid cation exchange resins are used in household water filters and domestic water systems to remove calcium, magnesium, lead, and copper ions, improving water quality and taste. LANXESS also produces Lewabrane membrane filter elements for reverse osmosis, offering comprehensive water treatment solutions.
