NEWS
IN BRIEF
Navin Molecular builds Navin Molecular , an Indian-based CDMO that is part of Navin Fluorine , has announced plans to build $ 35 million , 9,000 m 2 multipurpose GMP plant at Dewas . This is due to be completed in Q2 225 . The facility will add 200 m 3 of capacity , taking the total to 420 . It will support existing commercialscale projects and meet future demands , the company said .
Esteve expansion Spanish pharmaceutical firm Esteve has begun work on a new , € 100 million manufacturing unit at Celrà in Girona province . This should be operational in Q4 2026 , adding 150 m 3 of capacity , which amounts to a 45 % increase at this site and 15 % to its network of four sites . Much of this will be used by the firm ’ s CDMO unit , Esteve Química .
CPDC suspends project Taiwan ’ s China Petrochemical Development Corporation ( CPDC ) has suspended plans to build the first phase of a planned $ 115 million , two-phase fine chemical plant . The company said that this decision was made “ considering the current market conditions and the overall increase in construction costs , which affect expected investment returns ”.
Barentz buys two
Barentz International has acquired distributors in two different regions in short order . The acquisition of Insuqui in Paraguay followed a few weeks after that of the Anshul Life Sciences Group in India . Terms were not disclosed in either deal and the existing management teams will remain in place .
Insuquim employs 35 and supplies mainly the industrial , pharmaceutical , human nutrition and personal care markets . It operates one of the largest , independently owned GMP-certified facilities in Paraguay . Barentz said that this both expands its presence in Paraguay and complements its already strong pan-South America network .
Anshul , meanwhile , is described as “ a high-end life science focused speciality chemicals distributor ”, active in pharmaceuticals , food and nutraceuticals , agrochemical , personal care and other markets , and employing 90 . According to Barentz , buying it “ establishes a leading life science distribution platform in India ”.
Kurita America is working with biobased chemical manufacturer Solugen to develop carbon-negative water treatment products as an alternative to phosphorus- and petroleum-derived additives . This is part of its ‘ Creating shared value ’ business , which focuses on technologies and business models that save water , reduce CO 2 emissions and minimise industrial waste , while improving plant productivity . A recent example is the Tower NG series of cooling products , which replace most traditional water treatment chemistries with a combination of polymer technology and Solugen ’ s proprietary biodegradable corrosion inhibitor .
ICL grows in agro ICL has acquired Custom Ag Formulators ( CAF ), a US-based supplier of customised agriculture formulations and products for growers , for about $ 60 million . CAF ’ s two sites in California and Georgia make liquid and dry formulations of adjuvants and enhanced nutrients , plus other speciality products . This is the second buy for ICL ’ s Growing Solutions business in 2024 .
16 SPECIALITY CHEMICALS MAGAZINE ESTABLISHED 1981