Dmitry Konov, CEO, Sibur.
PARIS, FRANCE: Rhodia and Sibur will create a joint venture in specialty surfactants. It is expected, the new 50:50 joint venture will have a local production site in Russia at Dzerzhinsk, near Sibur’s petrochemicals operations and is expected to be operational in 2013.
This strategic alliance would be focused on creating a leader in the CIS market where specialty surfactants are used particularly in home and personal care, and oil & gas industries, with the surfactants sector growing at more than 6 per cent per year. The evolution of consumer demand for more sophisticated and segmented products, such as shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, laundry and household detergents, and the need for high performance solutions in oil and gas extraction fields are driving volume growth of specialty surfactants in the CIS region.
Rhodia will provide its expertise in surfactant technologies, its knowledge of formulations and market applications and its customer network, including global key accounts with a strong presence in this region. Sibur will contribute its raw materials, production and logistics capabilities. Sibur will also support the development of the surfactants business in oil and gas markets in Russia and the CIS.
“Collaboration with Rhodia is in line with our strategy of expanding into carefully chosen specialty chemicals business segments,” informed Dmitry Konov, CEO, Sibur.
(C) WOC News