In a bid to meet the high level of demand for iron oxide pigments, Lanxess, is strengthening its production network in China.
The speciality chemical group is adding a mixing and milling plant to the pigment plant already under construction in Ningbo. The expansion aims at serving customers across paper, plastics, coatings and construction sectors.
Rafael Suchan, Head of Pigment Business in Asia/Pacific region, Lanxess, said, “Lanxess will be the first manufacturer of iron oxide pigments to ensure eco-friendly production of these yellowish red pigments while also ensuring consistently high quality. Thanks to the new mixing and milling plant, we will be offering an expanded portfolio of pigments that features the new red pigments alongside our proven iron oxide colour pigments.”
The total investment is expected to reach around EUR 60 million.
The new plant is being designed for an initial annual synthesis capacity of 25,000 metric tonnes. On the same site, Lanxess is building the mixing and milling plant for pigments with an annual capacity of 70,000 metric tonnes. This plant will also process raw pigments from other Lanxess sites for the Asian market.
The plants are scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2015 and will start production in the first quarter of 2016.
