Press Release: HELM further expands European Acids and Lyes business

Hamburg - October 6, 2016

In October 2016 one of the world’s most modern electrolysis plants is to come on stream, operated by CABB AG in Pratteln, Switzerland. The new plant is based on membrane technology and operates without the usage of mercury. Due to the expanded production capacity from 27,000 to 50,000 mt of chlorine this plant will produce significantly more by-product caustic soda lye. This caustic soda lye will be marketed by HELM together with CABB’s long-term local partner IMPAG AG.

HELM will be responsible for the marketing outside Switzerland and will focus primarily on Southern Germany as well as the French region of Alsace-Lorraine.

Axel Viering, HELM’s Head of Derivatives, emphasizes the relevance of this marketing contract with IMPAG and CABB: “The acids and lyes business is of great strategic significance for HELM. With the acquisition of the Spanish distributor GEBLASA S.A. in 2014, HELM already clearly expanded its position in the Southern European acids and lyes market. This newly signed agreement will strengthen our business in Central Europe and is a further milestone for the expansion of our pan-European distribution business in the area of acids and lyes.”

About HELM

HELM AG is a family-owned company based in Hamburg, Germany, with a business tradition over 115 years old. As a multifunctional sales and distribution organisation, HELM is active in the chemicals industry through its Feedstocks and Derivatives Business Units, in the crop protection industry, in active pharmaceutical ingredients, pharmaceuticals and medical products, and in the fertilizer industry. HELM is one of the world’s largest chemicals marketing companies and secures access to the world’s key markets through its specific regional knowledge and over 100 subsidiaries, Sales Offices and participations in over 30 countries.

About IMPAG AG:

IMPAG is an independent, internationally structured trading and services group that has provided customers with raw materials, active ingredients and consultancy services in the personal care, nutrition, pharmaceutical, metallurgy and chemicals sectors for over 90 years.

About CABB AG:
CABB is one of the leading and fastest-growing international producers of chemical intermediates and finished products, supplying customers in the agro, pharmaceutical, chemical specialities and performance product sectors.