Arkema refocuses functional additives business

As part of the reorganization of its functional additives business unit, diversified chemical manufacturer Arkema Inc. announced the sale of two families of additives, the ceramic opacifiers and polyester resin catalysts, produced in China to the Hoe Seng Co. Pte. Ltd. group (Singapore). The sale, the company said, will enable it to focus on the development of other core business segments such as industrial chemicals and performance additives. Production of these additives, said Richard Rowe, managing director of the functional additives business unit, is based in Guangzhou, China. They account for annual sales of close to €13 million (US$17.15 million), Rowe said. (May 8, 2009)