Chemicals company Arkema has acquired ArrMaz, a US-based provider of specialty surfactants for mining and infrastructure markets, to further extend its presence in Saudi Arabia
ArrMaz offers a wide range of mining additives in the region to help optimise grade recovery and process performance in mining operations. It operates a new plant in Al Jalamid that produces specialty surfactants to support the growth of the Saudi phosphate industry.
Dave Keselica, CEO ArrMaz said, ?ArrMaz Gulf Chemicals has been serving the kingdom?s growing phosphate industry since 2010, and the combination of Arkema?s and ArrMaz expertise will enable us to create new solutions for our valued customers and new opportunities for our dedicated employees in Saudi Arabia.?
Jean-Francois Chesneau, global president of surfactants and additives, Arkema, added, ?We have been active in Saudi Arabia since 2014 serving major customers for the domestic market and exporting oilfield chemicals to neighbouring countries. This acquisition will boost Arkema position in the region.?
In the region, Arkema operates a blending plant and storage in oil additives. More broadly, the group is involved across the oil and gas value chain, from offshore production to refineries, shipping and sales at the pump. For example, the Rilsan biobased polyamide 11 and the Kynar polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) are used in the transportation of oil and gas, and its sulfur-based chemical expertise enables desulfurisation in the final step in the refining process.
The group also provides products for the odorisation of natural gas and LPG to make them detectable in the event of leaks. Finally, its product range includes customised drying and purification solutions with the Siliporite molecular sieves as well as polymerisation initiators such as Luperox organic peroxides.
Abdelkader Kadri, CEO Arkema Middle East, concluded, ?Arkema has been supplying the oil and gas, petrochemicals and construction markets of Saudi Arabia for more than 30 years and has developed strong relationships with key customers. With the acquisition of ArrMaz, Arkema will further strengthen its presence in the kingdom.?
