Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, has announced that it has acquired the black pigment preparations portfolio of Lanxess, located at Nagda in Madhya Pradesh. This product line of Lanxess manufactures black pigment preparations used for processing of viscose fibre, which goes into the manufacture of mainly viscose-based apparels, knitwear, towels, bed-linen, etc.
With this acquisition, Clariant in India gains additional pigment preparation capacity to cater to a larger, wider customer base.
Commenting on the acquisition, Dr. Deepak Parikh, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Clariant Chemicals (India) Ltd., said: “Over the last couple of years we have made significant strides in building a value proposition for our stakeholders by sharpening our business focus and expanding our footprint in India. This was achieved through organic resource optimisation and capitalising on inorganic value opportunities.”
Mr. Sambit Roy, Regional Director – Marketing and Sales (Pigments), Clariant in India, said: “The pigment preparations business has been the mainstay of our India operations and we continuously adapt product offerings to suit evolving customer needs. This acquisition is a strategic decision to expand distribution networks. We will upgrade technical services and provide state-of-the-art technology in order to generate high quality products to support our customers’ business growth.”
Clariant in India has local pigment production activities at its Roha (Maharashtra) and Cuddalore (Tamil Nadu) sites. In 2014, the group invested in expansion of its Roha pigments facility, thus strengthening its commitment to India.
Clariant in India, headquartered in Mumbai, operates in four business areas: Care chemicals, catalysis & energy, natural resources, and plastics & coatings, including businesses like pigments (coatings, printing and plastics and special applications), additives, industrial and consumer specialties, mining services and masterbatches, thus delivering solutions for the industry and the society. The 900-plus employee strength generated sales of Rs. 10.08 billion in 2014. Clariant invested in a state-of-the-art regional innovation center in Mumbai in 2014, with the aim of co-creating tailormade solutions with customers for the industry.