- Fibrant will close three of its seven production units at Chemelot, affecting 100 jobs.
- Fibrant will retain 164 employees for non-CPL products like Anon and ammonium sulfate.
- Closure impacts Chemelot cluster, affecting suppliers like SABIC and OCI.
- EU industrial policy needed to maintain competitiveness and preserve jobs.
Closure of Production Units
Fibrant will cease caprolactam production at its Chemelot site in The Netherlands, closing three of its seven production units. This decision is driven by high production costs and competition from Asia, resulting in the loss of approximately 100 jobs related to CPL and HSO activities.
Impact on Chemelot Cluster
The cessation of Fibrant's core CPL production is expected to have significant ripple effects across the Chemelot industrial cluster. Fibrant is a major off-taker of critical raw materials, such as hydrogen, from neighboring companies like SABIC and OCI. The loss of Fibrant as a customer could negatively impact the profitability and viability of these key suppliers.
Need for Industrial Policy
Chemical industry union representatives emphasize the need for robust, long-term industrial policy from The Hague and the EU to preserve crucial economic value chains and associated jobs. The challenge for Chemelot, a central pillar of the Netherlands' transition to a circular and climate-neutral chemical industry by 2050, is maintaining competitiveness.
Fibrant's Future Operations
Despite the closures, Fibrant will continue operations for its non-CPL products, including Anon and ammonium sulfate, retaining a workforce of roughly 164 personnel at the Dutch facility. The company will also focus on the production and global licensing of its specialty chemical products from its headquarters in Urmond.
