06/01/2004 - Süd-Chemie starts to produce Catalysts in the Middle East

Süd-Chemie AG, Munich, and two local partners will establish a Joint Venture under the name of Süd-Chemie Qatar W.L.L. in Qatar to produce catalysts. Initially these catalysts will be primarily used for ‘gas to liquid’ (GTL) projects currently under development in Qatar. Süd-Chemie will hold the majority share in the venture. It is expected that all state approvals needed for the venture will be granted within 2004. The first phase of the production facility will require an investment of about 10 million €. It will be built in Qatar’s prime industrial area.

By forming this venture, Süd-Chemie proactively enters the investment arena within the petrochemical industry which has been – and will be for the years to come – predominantly in the Middle East. GTL processes have a high demand for catalysts to convert gas into high performance fuels or petrochemical intermediates.

With the entire product slate needed for GTL plants Süd-Chemie holds a leading position in this segment of the catalyst industry. Next to Russia and Iran, Qatar holds the third biggest gas reserves worldwide.

Over decades Süd-Chemie has built up expertise in producing the respective catalysts. The partners are convinced that the Joint Venture in Qatar appropriately addresses the soaring demand for these products in the region.

Following its corporate claim of “Creating Performance Technology”, Süd-Chemie is an independent, global leader in the sector of specialty chemicals. Based on tailored customer solutions, it holds leading positions in catalytic market segments as well as in adsorbent markets. Market needs are served by more than sixty production and sales companies. Further information can be found at www.sud-chemie.com.

Munich, 01.06.2004

Süd-Chemie AG
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