Clariant focus on China
21 October 2010Swiss specialty chemicals company Clariant continue to strengthen their presence in China with the official opening of their new Greater China headquarters in Shanghai on October 20, 2010. The new facility also includes a new technical application centre for pigments. Clariant further announced the start-up of its new Quinacridon pigment joint venture in Hangzhou. China is also seen as an important market for the company’s Leather Services Business Unit.
In September 2009, Clariant also launched their new multi-purpose-plant in Zhenjiang. A new ethoxylation facility in Dayabay, the industrial hub in southern China is currently under construction. Its opening is scheduled for mid 2011.
By this date Clariant will have invested approximately 150 million Swiss francs ($155 million) over the past two and a half years. In 2010 China will gain a share of around 8% of the worldwide Clariant business. Today Clariant employs up to 1,300 people in China and is represented in 13 cities with a total of 21 locations.
‘Setting up the new Greater China headquarters and the new production site in Hangzhou reflects Clariant’s confidence in the stability and growth of the Chinese economy. And, with a sales increase of about 30% in 2010, China is one of the fastest growing markets for Clariant’, commented Dr Hariolf Kottmann, Clariant’s Chief Executive Officer.