- Elkem will invest €36 million to upgrade its Roussillon silicone plant.
- The expansion will increase capacity by 20,000 metric tons to 100,000 metric tons per annum.
- Completion is expected in the third quarter of 2023.
- The investment aims to improve productivity, cost efficiency, and sustainability.
Investment and Expansion
Elkem is set to invest €36 million to upgrade and debottleneck its silicone plant in Roussillon, France. This strategic move will increase the plant's capacity by 20,000 metric tons, bringing the total to 100,000 metric tons per annum. The project is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2023.
Market Demand and Growth
The expansion aims to meet the growing demand for specialty silicones in Europe, the Middle East, Africa (EMEA), and the Americas, where the market is projected to grow by around 6% annually between 2020 and 2025. This investment complements ongoing capacity expansion at Elkem’s Xinghuo site in China, which serves the Asia-Pacific region.
Technological Upgrades
The investment plan includes installing new equipment and major technology upgrades to improve cost efficiency and environmental performance. Enhancements will focus on higher materials efficiency, more energy-efficient processes, reduced waste, and advanced water effluent treatment.
Strategic Importance
This project underscores the strategic importance of the Rhône Valley for Elkem’s silicones division. It follows the company's recent acquisition of a third manufacturing site in the area and the opening of a new global research and innovation center.
Sustainability Efforts
The Roussillon chemical platform is undergoing significant transformations to enhance competitiveness and decarbonize operations. This is being achieved through dynamic partnerships between industrial and local stakeholders, including Elkem.
