European Chemical Industry News & Insights

Kemira Opens Major Water Treatment Chemicals Plant in Spain

At a glance
  • The Tarragona plant produces polyaluminum chloride, aluminum sulfate, and ferric chloride.
  • It also manufactures AKD sizing agents for the paper industry.
  • The total investment in the Tarragona and Dormagen plants was approximately EUR 40 million.
  • The plant uses up to 70% recycled input materials from Bayer Material Science.

Plant Overview

Kemira has inaugurated one of Europe’s largest water treatment chemicals production plants in Tarragona, Spain. The facility, located in La Canonja, Catalonia, also includes a unit for manufacturing sizing agents used in the pulp and paper industry.

Production Capabilities

The Tarragona plant, situated at Bayer Material Science’s industrial site, can produce a full range of Kemira’s aluminum and iron-based coagulants, including polyaluminum chloride (PAX), aluminum sulfate (ALS), and ferric chloride (PIX). Additionally, it manufactures AKD sizing agents, which are widely used in the paper industry.

Integration and Sustainability

Kemira emphasizes cost-efficient raw material supply through backward integration, utilizing up to 70% recycled input materials. The plant integrates hydrochloric acid derived from Bayer Material Science’s production processes.

Strategic Importance

Kemira has a longstanding presence in the Tarragona region, benefiting from its strategic location and customer connections. The combined capacity of the Tarragona plant and the recently opened Dormagen plant in Germany supports Kemira’s leadership in the EMEA water treatment market. The total investment in these two plants amounts to approximately EUR 40 million.