Arch Boosts Biocides Capacity

Arch Chemicals plans to extend its biocides manufacturing capabilities in Suzhou, China, and expand production of biocides and intermediates in Rochester, N.Y., and Swords, Ireland.

"With global demand at near-record levels, we are expanding biocide capacities on three continents," says Louis S. Massimo, Arch's executive vice president and chief operating officer. The projects involve copper-, zinc-, and sodium-based additives used for protective, hygienic, and industrial applications. Arch products inhibit mold and mildew growth in products such as wallboard, ceiling tiles, and metalworking fluids.

In Suzhou, Arch is building a plant to produce zinc pyrithione, an antidandruff agent, along with laboratory and technical support facilities. The new facilities will open later this year. Earlier this year, the firm started up a powder drying and milling facility in Suzhou for zinc- and copper-based biocides used to formulate marine antifoulant paints.

In Rochester and Swords, Arch is increasing biocides production for local markets and is also boosting capacity for the biocide intermediate 2-chloropyridine. Arch says its Rochester 2-chloropyridine facility, already the world's largest such facility, will double in size when the project is complete.