By Chlorum Solutions USA
Chlorum Solutions USA LLC, formally announced the development of its first small-scale U.S. chlor-alkali plant in Casa Grande. The plant will enhance local supply chain resilience in the U.S. chemical industry with its decentralized model tailored for this purpose.
The Arizona facility will be a model of environmentally friendly, safe practices. With an investment of more than $70M, this plant aims to set a new standard in proximity-based chemical production, reducing transport risks and reliance on long-haul shipping. By serving markets outside major petrochemical hubs like Texas and Louisiana, Chlorum Solutions USA addresses a critical need for localized chlor-alkali production, which mitigates logistics and transportation costs by eliminating the need to transport chlorine, an inhalation hazard chemical, over long distances. The facility will use state-of-the-art membrane technology, a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to older chlor-alkali technologies such as mercury and diaphragm.
Decentralizing chlor-alkali production adds critical redundancy and robustness to the chemical supply chain. Currently, approximately 80% of U.S. chlor-alkali production is concentrated in the Gulf Coast among a few large facilities. If one of these plants goes offline, it can have significant impacts down the supply chain, which includes critical supply for water treatment.
To aide in operational safety, the plant will produce sodium hypochlorite (commercially known as bleach), hydrochloric acid and caustic soda directly from salt to supply customers in Arizona, and will not compress, liquefy, or store chlorine gas. The plant aims to replace imports of liquefied chlorine gas from out of state, which in Arizona is primarily used for producing sodium hypochlorite.
Chlorum Solutions USA’s Casa Grande facility represents a significant investment in the region, creating long-term value for the community. The project will generate permanent roles, including positions for engineers, operators, and administrative staff, contributing to the local economy.
During construction, the project will support numerous jobs, providing opportunities for local contractors and suppliers. Beyond direct employment, the plant will spur regional growth by attracting industries that rely on chlor-alkali products as feedstock.
Chlorum Solutions USA is committed to community engagement and plans to collaborate with local workforce training initiatives to help equip residents with the skills needed for these opportunities.
Chlorum Solutions USA will bring its Arizona-based products to market in collaboration with Univar Solutions, a global chemical distributor, aimed at providing reliable access to essential chemicals. (Source)
