Date Created: 28 January 2011
The Grangemouth-based fine chemicals company previously known as KemFine UK Ltd has been renamed CalaChem Ltd, following its acquisition by Munich-based industrial holding company AURELIUS AG in November of last year.
CalaChem Fine Chemicals can trace a long heritage in Scotland. Previous owners of the Grangemouth site include ICI, Zeneca and Avecia.
A leading producer of fine chemicals for clients across the agrochemical, pharmaceutical and chemical sectors, the firm counts many international majors among its clients.
In addition to developing and manufacturing fine chemicals, the company provides services to a range of companies near its site in Grangemouth, ranging from electricity and steam supply to wastewater treatment.
"AURELIUS’s decision to invest says much for Scotland as a competitive location in which to do business, coupled with a high quality and skilled workforce." – Caroline Strain, Head of Chemical Sciences, Scottish Enterprise
"Not only did Scottish Development International work very closely with both businesses, but they also co-ordinated a seamless 'team Scotland' approach involving Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Government, Falkirk Council and Transport Scotland which has resulted in this successful outcome", she added.
Contract manufacturing set to expand
The company – which employs around 200 people and has latest recorded sales of £41 million in 2009 – plans to extend its contract manufacturing by expanding its product portfolio. Plans are also in place to increase the current wastewater treatment plant’s capacity and expand a cogeneration plant based on renewable fuel.
Site manager John Blackie said: “CalaChem is the new name in Scottish fine chemicals. Our site lies at the heart of Scotland on the river Forth estuary. We have a long heritage of which we are very proud but our focus is now on the future and delivering excellent value and service to both new and existing clients.”
Dr Sandy Dobbie, Chairman of Chemical Sciences Scotland said: “With the recent joint venture announcement by INEOS and PetroChina and the UN’s launch this week of the International Year of Chemistry, these are exciting times for the chemical sciences sector in Scotland.
"AURELIUS’s decision in November to acquire KemFine was a great shot in the arm for the £9.3 billion Scottish chemical sciences sector and CalaChem is clearly a company with ambitious plans for the future. We welcome it to Scotland."
About Chemical Sciences Scotland
Chemical Sciences Scotland is a unique industry partnership with Scottish Development International, Scotland’s world-renowned academic sector and other government agencies. Its aim is to ensure the chemical sciences have a vibrant future, creating high value opportunities for skilled people and innovative companies.
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Scottish Development International can help you make the most of all the opportunities available to locate, partner, invest or grow your chemicals business in Scotland. We offer a range of services including:
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