13 Oct 2008
Arkema successfully starts up the world’s largest HFC-32 production plant at Calvert City, Kentucky, USA
The new HFC-32 refrigerant fluid plant brought on stream at the Calvert City site (USA / Kentucky) affirms Arkema’s position among the world leaders in next-generation refrigerant fluids.
In an ever-changing fluorochemicals market, HCFC-22 will be phased out from the North American market beginning in 2010 in favor of next-generation refrigerant blends such as Forane®410A, of which HFC-32 is an essential component.
According to Pierre Chanoine, Vice President of Arkema’s Fluorochemicals Business Unit, "with this new HFC-32 production plant, an investment of $45 million, Arkema intends to consolidate its leading position in the development of new HFC fluorinated fluids to assist its customers in their transition toward HFC blend technology".
Calvert City, a strategic site serving the North American market
The new HFC-32 refrigerant fluid production plant in Calvert City has benefited from the technological expertise gained at the Zaramillo site in Spain, which started up an HFC-32 plant successfully a few years ago. The 25,000 tons-per-year Calvert City plant is the largest in the world, and will help supply the North American market.
Arkema’s R&D points to tomorrow’s refrigerant fluids
The opening of Calvert City’s new industrial plant confirms Arkema’s commitment to playing an active role in the development of the production of next- generation, environmentally sound refrigerant fluids. In the same spirit, Arkema’s R&D is working to develop new fluids with a negligible impact on the ozone layer and a low global warming potential (GWP).
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Notes for editors
Arkema, a world leader in fluorochemicals
The world’s second largest producer of fluorochemicals, Arkema operates four industrial sites on three continents: Pierre-Bénite in France, Zaramillo in Spain, Changshu in China, and Calvert City in the United States. Marketed under the trade name Forane®, the products manufactured in these four facilities serve the refrigeration and air-conditioning (building and automobile), insulating foam, solvent and aerosol industries.
A global chemical player, Arkema consists of 3 coherent and related business segments: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. Present in over 40 countries with 17,000 employees, Arkema achieves sales of 5.7 billion euros. With its 6 research centers in France, the United States and Japan, and internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in its principal markets.
