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Clariant was one of the first international masterbatch producers to begin manufacturing in China, opening its initial site in Guangzhou in 1995 and expanding it in 2003. This older operation will be closed as the new facility reaches full production. Clariant opened a plant in Shanghai in 1997 and established a dedicated masterbatches unit there in 2004. Masterbatch production began in Beijing in 2004. All three sites are wholly-owned. This network allows Clariant to serve all the major plastics markets in China. Packaging is the largest end-market in the region, accounting for about half of Clariant’s business. Other major markets include consumer durable goods and fibers/textiles.
At 14,000 square meters, Guangzhou will be the largest of the three Masterbatches sites in the country and will support further growth of Clariant’s business in South China. Located in the Guangzhou Development District, a state-level industrial zone, the new facility will be close to major customers in the Pearl River delta region, which also includes Hong Kong and Macao. The new site includes isolated manufacturing areas for quality-sensitive products like specialty whites for the computer, communications and consumer goods industry, and additive masterbatches, which can be especially susceptible to contamination. Other unique features include a large development laboratory and state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant. Clariant plans to invest in liquid color production capabilities in order to offer the growing Asia/Pacific market the products and services recently added through the acquisition of Rite Systems in the United States.
“A market as large and complex as China commands the highest level of service,” comments Juergen Heise, Head of Greater China, Clariant Masterbatches Division, “so the main purpose of this new plant is to continue delivering the value that comes with local manufacturing. With consumer spending in China increasing so rapidly, it is important that Clariant is properly positioned to help customers participate successfully in this growing market.”
Clariant Masterbatches products are marketed under these global brand names: REMAFIN® olefinic masterbatches and compounds; RENOL® masterbatches and compounds based on engineering resins, styrenics and PVC; CESA® additive masterbatches; HYDROCEROL® chemical foaming and nucleating agents; OMNICOLOR® universal color masterbatches. These brand names are all registered trademarks of Clariant. More information on Clariant Masterbatches products is available at www.clariant.masterbatches.com.
Clariant has begun production at its new manufacturing operation in Guangzhou, China. The new plant produces color and additive masterbatches for rapidly growing local markets and also serves as the Clariant center for fiber technology development for all of China.
| Laurie Reid Phone: +1-401-438-4080 Fax: +1-401-438-4680 laurie.reid@clariant.com | Scott H. Collins Phone: +1-216-382-8840 Fax: +1-216-382-8850 scollins@collins-marcom.com |
