Inovyn to close UK chloromethanes plant

London – Inovyn, an Ineos-Solvay JV in chlorovinyls, is set to close its chloromethanes plants in Runcorn, UK, as European demand declines.

The company announced on 15 Dec that it has revised its chloromethanes operations strategy and as of March 2016, production will be focused on plants in Tavaux, France, and Rosignano, Italy.

“Our new operations strategy will ensure we are best positioned to focus on and meet the demand for chloromethanes in our core markets,” said CEO Chris Tane.

“It will also significantly improve our cost base and help underpin our sustainable, competitive position as a European chloromethanes producer.”

Inovyn added that it will continue to offer a full range of methylene chloride grades - including its Methoklonebrand – as well as chloroform, carbon tetrachloride and perchloroethylene.

The company said that the closure of the chloromethanes facility at Runcorn site gave it the opportunity to use the “increased availability” of membrane chlorine capacity at the site.

The company expects to be able to close the plant without the need for compulsory redundancies.

Chloromethane is mostly used as a chemical intermediate in the manufacturing of silicone polymers, while smaller quantities are used in the production of butyl rubber.