New investment project at RÜTGERS Chemicals AG

On 15 Mai 2002, RÜTGERS Chemicals AG established a joint venture with Japanese partner NIHON JYORYU KOGYO Co. Ltd. to build a new carbazole-anthracene plant at its Castrop-Rauxel site.

RÜTGERS Chemicals AG has developed a new separation process significantly improving the production of carbazole and pure anthracene. The two product streams, both coal tar constituents, are major intermediates for the dyestuffs and paper industries.

The total cost of the new plant will be about 13 million euros. For RÜTGERS Chemicals AG, the construction of the carbazole-anthracene plant is part of its expansion strategy for the Speciality Chemicals Division. The joint venture will further improve the position of RÜTGERS Chemicals AG as a competent partner to the dyestuffs industry.

The technology to be used at the new plant is the product of many years of development cooperation with a leading Swiss engineering company. The innovative process design drastically reduces specific energy consumption, making the process considerably more efficient. On this basis, the new plant is expected to strengthen ties with existing customers and to open up prospects with new customers and applications.

This investment project will also significantly reinforce the chemicals base at Castrop-Rauxel.