International. Clariant expects its growth strategy across the North American business to advance regional sales of nearly $2 billion by 2021. This would make North America the company's second largest global market and account for about 25% of its global chemical investment.
Key elements in this growth strategy, which contains bespoke elements for the various business areas, including catalysts, petroleum and mining services, additives, pigments and industrial and consumer specialties, include the advancement of its R&D competencies, a US$250 million CAPEX investment to further increase both its manufacturing footprint and technical capabilities, and harnessing shale gas opportunities.
"Clariant is proud of its achievements to date in North America and is excited about its growth plans over the next 4 years," said Deepak Parikh, Clariant's North America Region Director. "In addition to investing even more in R&D and manufacturing, we will invest in acquiring and developing critical talent to improve our organization. Our goal is to create a stronger growth mindset, and enhance this by leveraging the local vision and formulating the key partnerships so necessary for successful growth."
With more than 50 sites, more than 2,400 employees and a turnover of around $1.25 billion in the U.S. and Canada, Clariant has already established itself as a major producer of specialty chemicals in North America. The company's 3 R&D and 6 technical innovation centers, headquartered in California, North Carolina, Texas and Illinois, along with its major university partnerships, are the backbone of its innovation drive for the North American market.
