Kemira Oyj (Helsinki, Finland) has completed the installation of new state-of-the art production units for emulsion polymers and bio-acrylamide monomer at its manufacturing site in Mobile, Alabama. Production has started and the facility is expected to be fully operational during summer 2021. The value of the investment is around 70 million euros and it will support Kemira’s strategic focus to grow faster than the market.
“The capacity expansion in Mobile will strengthen Kemira’s position in the energy market in the Americas and supports our growth in the region going forward. The market demand is recovering after the 2020 slowdown and we’re in a good position and excited to meet the growing demand of our customers for high quality emulsion polymers.” says Pedro Materan, SVP, Global Oil & Gas.
The emulsion polymer products are primarily used in water intensive applications, including friction reducers for the oil and gas industry, where Kemira is a leading supplier. The investment in new capacity allows Kemira to address the steadily growing need for polyacrylamide polymers. Backward integration into bio acrylamide production also improves the sustainability position, product quality and competitiveness for Kemira’s customers.