Rhodia announced investments at its Halifax (UK) and University Park (United States) industrial sites, part of the group’s growth strategy in specialty surfactants.

PARIS - Rhodia announced investments at its Halifax (UK) and University Park (United States) industrial sites, part of the group’s growth strategy in specialty surfactants. The investments at the two sites, formerly part of the McIntyre Group acquired by Rhodia in 2009, will optimize and increase production capacity and enhance competitiveness.

In the UK, Rhodia plans to consolidate surfactants production lines currently at Leeds and Halifax on a single platform to reinforce its long-term competitive position in Europe. The phased transfer of assets from Leeds to Halifax and accompanying investments will generate additional synergies and bring about the critical mass for new projects.

At the same time, to meet increasing demand from its North American customers, Rhodia will launch an investment program at the company’s University Park, IL, facility to upgrade and increase surfactant production capacities in the region.

Capitalizing on the development and optimization of its industrial footprint, Rhodia aims to strengthen the group’s leading positions in the specialty surfactants business across a range of markets, including home and personal care, oilfield, industrial, and agrochemicals.

Rhodia Novecare President Emmanuel Butstraen commented, “Eighteen months after the acquisition of McIntyre, we have successfully integrated the business and are delivering the expected synergies. To leverage these achievements and take advantage of the potential offered by the surfactants market, we are boosting the competitiveness of our sites as well as investing in the long term.”