Kemira Oyj (Helsinki, Finland) announced a strategic investment to expand its production capabilities in Tarragona, Spain. The investment, of close to €20 million, which was approved earlier this year will enable the construction of a new production line for aluminum chlorohydrate (ACH), a high-performance coagulant primarily used in drinking water treatment.
The new facility will significantly enhance Kemira’s product portfolio and strengthen its position in the growing market for advanced water treatment solutions. ACH is a high basicity polyaluminium chloride that offers superior performance in removing color and particles from raw water, especially during heavy rainfall and flooding – an increasing challenge for many large cities across Europe. Last year, Kemira announced an expansion at the Tarragona site for ferric chloride for biogas upgrading applications.
“This investment in Tarragona marks an important step in expanding our capabilities to meet the growing demand for high-performance and sustainable water treatment solutions,” says Tuija Pohjolainen-Hiltunen, Executive Vice President, Water Solutions. “With aluminum chlorohydrate , we can offer our customers a more efficient and environmentally responsible solution for drinking water treatment – especially in urban areas facing increasing challenges from climate-related events. It also strengthens our position in key markets in Europe and Africa, supporting our long-term growth strategy.”
ACH offers a significantly higher aluminum concentration compared to conventional products such as aluminum sulfate and standard polyaluminium chloride. This not only improves treatment efficiency but also reduces logistics-related CO₂ emissions, making it a more sustainable choice for both European and export markets.
The new line will be built using proven technology already in use at Kemira’s facilities in the United States and Poland.
Kemira anticipates commissioning the new line in early 2028, following the completion of permitting processes. The project is expected to have minimal environmental impact, supported by the use of renewable energy and ongoing evaluation of mitigation measures for the small share of emissions from natural gas usage.