This year marks the 150th anniversary of Southern Chemicals, a global leader in specialty chemicals with a strong focus on catalysts and absorbents. In early September, the company announced an ambitious plan to invest an additional €100 million in China over the next three years, aiming to build a new plant and further expand its operations. The company has been steadily growing its presence in the Chinese market, with sales rising from €40 million in 2006 to €100 million by 2010. In September, the regional headquarters for Southern Chemicals China was officially established in Shanghai.
During the 13th China Chemical International Symposium, I had the opportunity to speak with Günter von Au, Chairman of the Management Board of Southern Chemicals. With a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and extensive experience in high-level management, Mr. von Au emphasized the importance of China as a key market. “China is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies,†he said. “Our active participation in this market is a crucial part of our strategy to secure key positions in global markets.â€
Southern Chemicals first entered China in the 1970s, but it was after the 2002 investment in a production facility that the company began to grow rapidly. Today, it operates six plants and has a strong sales network across the country. In Panjin, Liaoning, the catalyst plant has tripled its output in just three years. In Shanghai, the company has developed a new polymerization catalyst for polyolefins, which is now available globally. Additionally, Southern Chemicals has made significant progress in the ammonia catalyst sector, achieving a breakthrough and increasing its customer base rapidly.
Over the past three years, the company has maintained an annual growth rate of 20% in China. Reflecting on this success, Dr. von Au stated, “This shows that the demand in the Chinese market aligns well with our business development. We have succeeded in driving market growth through high-quality products and services.â€
At the symposium, Dr. von Au delivered a speech on coal and coal chemical catalysts, drawing attention from industry delegates. He outlined the company’s plans for developing new coal-based catalysts in China, emphasizing the shift toward alternative energy sources in the post-oil era. Southern Chemicals possesses advanced technologies for converting coal into fuel and chemicals, as well as for natural gas and bioenergy conversion. Given China’s rich coal resources and its push for coal-to-oil, coal-to-olefins, and coal-to-methanol projects, the company is actively involved in large-scale initiatives, including joint efforts with Lurgi to supply catalysts for methanol and propylene projects.
Dr. von Au also highlighted the company’s long-term partnerships with major Chinese firms like Sinopec, where Southern Chemicals’ catalysts are used in over 60% of certain domestic applications. The establishment of the regional headquarters in Shanghai, he explained, was aimed at better tapping into the potential of the Chinese chemical market and supporting the company’s rapid expansion. Merging all Chinese operations under the holding company allows for more efficient management and ensures greater investment returns.
Looking ahead, Southern Chemicals plans to focus on catalysts for coal-based fuels and chemicals, while expanding its adsorbent and additive businesses. A new pharmaceutical packaging plant near Shanghai is set to begin operations in 2008, and a bentonite processing facility will be built to serve construction, foundry, and paper industries, making Southern Chemicals China’s largest supplier of catalysts and bentonites. The company is also exploring opportunities in exhaust gas purification, wastewater treatment, and new battery materials.
Ultimately, Southern Chemicals aims to support China’s efforts in resource conservation and environmental protection, contributing to the sustainable development of the country’s economy.
Gearbox Housing,Cast Iron Gearbox Housing,Gearbox Housing Design,Metal Gearbox Housing Cast Iron
Dandong Haichuan Machinery Co., Ltd. , https://www.ddhccasting.com