NEWS
Kemira renews operating model for growth
Kemira has announced changes to its operating model with the aim of increasing customer-centricity , strategic focus and speed of delivery , and accelerating growth . This will take effect from 1 January 2025 . The composition of the management board will change add three externally reported business units created , each headed by an EVP :
• Water Solutions ( Tuija Pohjolainen-Hiltunen )
• Packaging & Hygiene Solutions ( Harri Eronen )
• Fibre Essentials ( Antti Matula )
Product development will move into the BUs , with a view to increasing proximity to customers and giving them all the autonomy to prioritise initiatives in order to improve speedto-market . The company will also establish a centralised Operations unit to improve cooperation and optimise efficiency in manufacturing .
In a ddition , the board will have EVPs for People & Culture ; Strategy & Sustainability ; Research & Innovation ; and New Ventures & Services , which will act as a growth engine through the development and commercialisation of new products and services , and develop digital services for all of the BUs ’ customers . The company is still seeking to recruit a COO .
“ Kemira is in excellent shape today ,” said CEO Antti Salminen . “ Now it is time to move to the next phase in our strategy execution by speeding up our transformation and accelerating our growth trajectory , while at the same time ensuring we retain
Salminen – Kemira is in excellent shape
our profitable base business and operational efficiency .”
Water Solutions is the largest BU . It has seen recent growth after Kemira acquired Norit ’ s UK reactivation business from Purton Carbons , taking it into activated carbon for micropollutant removal .
This includes a reactivation facility in Purton , UK , where spent granular or pelletised activated carbons are made ready for potable water and food-related applications and others . Activated carbon is the most commonly used technology to remove odour and taste in drinking water , as well as micropollutants like PFAS in water treatment applications .
Separately , Kemira is expanding ferric chloride capacity in Tarragona , Spain , mainly for the biogas digestion product for which demand is growing rapidly . Ferric chloride is also the most commonly used coagulant for phosphorus reduction in wastewater treatment . The company said that the total investment is in the mid-single digit millions and the capacity is planned to be in operation during 2026 .
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