Tata Chemicals Ltd, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Tata Chemicals Europe Ltd (TCEL), has announced a significant investment of £60 million (approximately ₹655 crore) to establish a new pharmaceutical-grade sodium bicarbonate plant in Northwich, United Kingdom.
TCEL investment, recently approved by the TCEL board, will mark a major expansion of TCEL’s production capacity and reinforce the company’s focus on high-grade chemical solutions for healthcare.
Increased Production Capacity
The new plant, projected to be operational by 2027, will have an annual production capacity of 1,80,000 tons.
The facility will effectively triple TCEL’s current output of pharmaceutical-grade sodium bicarbonate in the UK, positioning the company to better meet growing demand from pharmaceutical companies.
The sodium bicarbonate produced will be used in critical applications, including medicines and haemodialysis treatments.
Sustainable Technology
To align with Tata Chemicals’ sustainability objectives, the Northwich plant will utilize a patented process that captures carbon dioxide emissions from energy generation, integrating them into the production process.
The eco-friendly technology represents a significant step in reducing the company’s carbon footprint while contributing to a circular economy.
The Funding
The TCEL investment for the Northwich plant will be financed through a combination of internal accruals and debt, underscoring Tata Chemicals’ commitment to sustainable growth and responsible financing.
The company plans to begin construction of the facility in 2025, setting the stage for enhanced production capabilities by 2027.
Closure of Lostock Plant
In a move to streamline operations, TCEL’s board has approved the closure of its loss-making chemical production facility at Lostock. They plan to close the facility by the end of January 2025.
The company made this decision following a strategic review and will implement it after consulting with employees. The Lostock plant, which generated around ₹1,200 crore – approximately 8% of Tata Chemicals’ turnover in the previous fiscal year. It has underperformed and is closing to optimize resources and support the investment in the new Northwich facility.
As reported by cnbctv18.com, with this shift, Tata Chemicals aims to strengthen its market position in pharmaceutical-grade chemicals. It advance its commitment to sustainability and high-quality production.
