- Specialty chemicals company expanding its presence in Asia through biggest single investment in China so far
- New integrated site to better serve needs of customers locally
Wesel/Shanghai, April 9, 2019 – ALTANA’s BYK division is expanding its operations in the Shanghai region to meet the anticipated growth in demand in the key Chinese market. The Asia region accounts for one third of sales, and has made a substantial contribution to additives specialist BYK. The new five-hectare site in Shanghai (around 54,000 sq.m.) is home to laboratories, a distribution center, and administration and was constructed in just two years. BYK invested around
38 million euros. Some 100 employees will work here in full operation.
“The new site will significantly enhance our presence in the Chinese market, and will enable us to focus on individual customer solutions in the growing Asian market,” declared Martin Babilas, CEO of ALTANA AG, during the opening ceremony. “The new and ultra-modern facility is embedded in the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park (SCIP) where we enjoy ideal framework conditions for our innovative, differentiated additive solutions.”
“Creating customer value is the core of our strategy at BYK. Optimum technical laboratory support, product innovations, and fast, reliable supply chains play a crucial role in this strategy. Thanks to the facility being opened today, we can offer our Chinese customers more direct services, as well as differentiated products that will provide an additional impetus to our business in the region,” explained Stephan Glander, BYK Division President.
Each year, BYK invests 7 to 8 percent of its revenue in research and development.
About ALTANA:
ALTANA is a global leader in true specialty chemicals. The Group offers innovative, environmentally compatible solutions for coating manufacturers, paint and plastics processors, the printing and packaging industries, the cosmetics sector and the electrical and electronics industry. The product range includes additives, special coatings and adhesives, effect pigments, sealants and compounds, impregnating resins and varnishes, and testing and measuring instruments. ALTANA's four divisions, BYK, ECKART, ELANTAS, and ACTEGA, all occupy a leading position in their target markets with respect to quality, product solution expertise, innovation and service.
Headquartered in Wesel, Germany, the ALTANA Group has 47 production facilities and 60 service and research laboratories worldwide. Throughout the Group about 6,400 people work to ensure the worldwide success of ALTANA. In 2018, ALTANA achieved sales of €2.3 billion. About 7 percent of sales are invested in research and development every year. Its high earning power and high growth rate make ALTANA one of the most innovative, fastest growing, and profitable chemical companies in the world.