INNOVATION IN
SPECIALITY CHEMICALS Rhodia, a member of the Solvay Group, is a global leader in the development and production of speciality chemicals. Rhodia provides added-value products and high-performance solutions to diversified markets, including automotive, electronics, consumer goods and industrial. One of its global business units is located in Gorzów in Poland, where the factory focuses on the production of polyamide materials. Piotr Sadowski reports.
R
hodia, founded in 1998, today leads the world in the production of mild amphoteric surfactants, phosphorous chemistry and guars and derivatives, as well as in high-performance silicas, rare earthbased formulations and diphenols. It is number two in polyamides and the number three producer of cellulose acetate. Established in 25 countries worldwide, with manufacturing facilities and R&D centres in all four major regions of the world – Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific – Rhodia
is dedicated to bringing the very best in innovation and service to its customers, as well as providing a vibrant and fulfilling working environment for its staff. In 2011, Rhodia became the third sector of the Solvay Group following a successful friendly bid for the company. Solvay is a major global industrial company with annual sales reaching €12 billion. “The common strategy is now being worked on and implemented across the Group,” says Jacek Bobrowicz, who heads the Rhodia polyamide
division in Poland, which focuses solely on the manufacturing of products derived from polyamide 6. “In 2008 the production of polyamide-6-based compounds was moved entirely from Italy to Poland; back then the annual output was around 30,000 tonnes, while 2011 was closed with a total production of 50,000 tonnes, with our operations focusing predominantly on exports reaching western europe as well as supplies to other factories within the Group. Our flagship brands include the TECHNYL STAR polyam-
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