International. AkzoNobel and Evonik Industries have made their way to the headquarters of their alliance for the production of a chlorine and potassium hydroxide solution, in Ibbenbüren in Germany. AkzoNobel will use the new plant to produce chlorine and hydrogen.
The ceremony was organized at AkzoNobel's existing facility in Ibbenbüren, where the two companies are building and operating a new membrane electrolysis plant, which is scheduled to become operational in the fourth quarter of 2017.
Werner Fuhrmann, member of the AkzoNobel Executive Committee responsible for Specialty Chemicals, and Ralph Sven Kaufmann, member of the Board of Evonik Industries AG, carried out the official procedures at the event, which was attended by customers, suppliers and employees of both companies, as well as representatives of the city of Ibbenbüren and relevant authorities.
The construction of the new facility ensures the long-term future of the Ibbenbüren headquarters and that of the chemical group, helping to prevent a further withdrawal of this industry from the region. The plant will have an annual nominal capacity of around 130,000 metric tons of potassium hydroxide solution and 82,000 metric tons of chlorine, ensuring a reliable supply for customers.
AkzoNobel will market chlorine and hydrogen at the new plant, or process these products directly at the Ibbenbüren headquarters. Evonik will take the new potassium hydroxide solutions plant for marketing and processing at its own headquarters in Lülsdorf, which is where it processes potassium hydroxide solution into various products, including potassium carbonate (potash).
