Borealis breaks ground on €75m Linz semi-commercial catalyst plant

08 March 2011 15:21  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (ICIS)--Borealis has broken ground on its €75m ($104m) semi-commercial catalyst plant at Linz in Austria, the chemical producer said on Monday.

Completion of the plant is scheduled for the summer of 2012. It will be used to develop new types of catalysts as well as improve processes for catalyst production, the company added.

“This plant enables us to develop new catalysts based on the results of basic research we do at our innovation centre in Porvoo, Finland," said Alfred Stern, Borealis senior vice president for innovation and technology.

"In addition, we will be able to produce semi-commercial batches for our own needs for example in the pilot plant, delivering an innovation and competitive advantage,” he said.

Borealis chief executive Mark Garrett said: "With the new plant, we strengthen our research capabilities in the area of catalyst development and production. This investment marks a further cornerstone of our worldwide growth strategy and strengthens our market position in Europe.”

Borealis is also investing approximately €145m over the next three years in Linz to modernise and improve the profitability of its melamine and fertilizer production at the site.

($1 = €0.72)

By: Franco Capaldo
+44 (0)20 8652 3214

For the latest chemical news, data and analysis that directly impacts your business sign up for a free trial to ICIS news - the breaking online news service for the global chemical industry.

Get the facts and analysis behind the headlines from our market leading weekly magazine: sign up to a free trial to ICIS Chemical Business.

Printer Friendly