Clariant invests for Asian pigments customers

Muttenz, April 23, 2013 - Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, will build a new pigment preparations plant in Indonesia in a series of investments to strengthen on-the-ground support for customers in China, India and Indonesia. The announcement marks another step in Clariant’s significant commitment to support customers in the emerging markets with high quality low VOC pigment preparations complying with eco labeling schemes such as blue angel and equivalent schemes in other regions. The company is investing approximately CHF 8 Million to enhance its capabilities in the region.

The investments include the construction of a new pigment preparations plant at Clariant’s Tangerang site in Indonesia that will double capacity to support the strong market growth in the country. Production is scheduled to commence in September 2013. Clariant is also finalizing the feasibility for expanding the capacity at its Azo pigments and pigment preparations plants in Roha, India by 50%. In order to increase market coverage, provide more intimate customer service and support, and enhance market knowledge Clariant’s marketing and sales organization in China, India and Indonesia will be doubled throughout 2013.

Additionally, Technical service capabilities in China will be strengthened by increasing the number of technical professionals in Clariant’s STAR application laboratory in Shanghai by nearly double.

Finally, Clariant will also expand its development capabilities in Roha (India), Shanghai and DaGang (China) to provide a faster response to requests for product development tailored to the needs of the local markets. The addition of Regional Product Managers for both Azo pigments and pigment preparations will strengthen this support.

“These initial steps are the first in a broader strategy to invest and develop our capabilities in China, India and Indonesia in order to better serve our customers and provide them with the high quality products and superior technical support they need to be successful in growing their business”, comments Marco Cenisio, Senior Vice President & General Manager Business Unit Pigments, Clariant. “We expect to make further announcements regarding our additional plans for the region soon.”

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