European Chemical Industry News & Insights

WeylChem Invests in Advanced Glyoxal Production in France

At a glance
  • WeylChem is investing 15m euros to upgrade Glyoxal production in Lamotte, France.
  • Production volumes will increase by one third, reducing the site's carbon footprint by 20%.
  • The new plant will start operating in early 2024.
  • The French State and ADEME will cover about one quarter of the investment.

Investment and Upgrades

The WeylChem Group of Companies is investing approximately 15 million euros to enhance its Glyoxal production facility in Lamotte, France. This upgrade involves process consolidation using state-of-the-art equipment, which will increase production volumes by about one third and reduce the site's carbon footprint by around 20 percent. The new plant is scheduled to begin operations in early 2024.

Support and Funding

In recognition of the additional CO2 savings, the French State has committed to covering about one quarter of the total investment through its “France Relance” program and ADEME, the agency for ecological transition. This support is part of a broader plan to relocate major industrial assets in the country following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Market Demand

According to Alix Deschamps, Managing Director of WeylChem Lamotte, the demand for Glyoxal and Glyoxylic Acid is expected to grow globally, driven by industries such as polymers and agrochemicals. WeylChem is one of only two European suppliers of these products, positioning the company to capitalize on the increasing demand for sustainable precursors amid global supply chain disruptions.

Strategic Expansion

Uwe Brunk, President of the WeylChem Group of Companies, highlighted that this investment is part of a broader strategy to expand the company's Advanced Intermediates business internationally. Over the past two years, WeylChem has invested around 24 million euros in upgrading its custom manufacturing capabilities, including new plants and multi-purpose equipment in Germany and Lamotte.