Kemira Oyj (Helsinki, Finland; www.kemira.com) has finalized its approximately €50-million investment into a new sodium chlorate production line in Joutseno, Finland. The production of sodium chlorate as well as customer deliveries have started, well ahead of the original schedule. Full capacity is expected to be achieved by the end of the year.
The new production line is based on Kemira’s proprietary in-house technology and it will significantly increase Joutseno site’s current sodium chlorate capacity. Sodium chlorate is the raw material for chlorine dioxide (ClO2), which is produced on-site at the pulp mills and it is the primary bleaching agent for kraft pulp.
“The consumption of bleaching chemicals is increasing due to the recent pulp mill expansions and the announced greenfield projects in the Nordics. We are ready to respond to the new demand and can now even more effectively serve our customers with high quality products for many years ahead. Our strategy is to grow faster than the market and to strengthen Kemira’s position as the leading chemical supplier for the pulp & paper industry, and our investment in Joutseno supports these targets”, says Kim Poulsen, President, Pulp & Paper segment.
After the accomplishment of the expansion, Joutseno site is employing 80 persons and produces a wide range of chemicals for pulp and paper industry.