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Chem & Dye Tech Expo, June 15 - 17, 2012, Karachi - Pakistan Chem & Dye
Tech Expo 2012 will be an exclusive exhibition for the chemicals,
dyes and all relevant industries in Pakistan. It will provide a wonderful
platform and opportunity for the exhibitors to showcase their wide
variety of products and emerging technologies in front of the trade
buyers. An Economic
Review Visitors Profile FAKT EXHIBITIONS (PVT) LTD launched Int'l Build Pakistan, Int'l IITEC Pakistan, Int'l EGO Pakistan, Int'l Fire, Safety, Security & Rescue Pakistan and ICADEX Pakistan Exhibitions and Conferences for 2012 to be held at Lahore Expo Centre-Pakistan. At the briefing, Mr. Saleem Khan Tanoli, CEO of FAKT EXHIBITIONS (PVT) LTD. said that "FAKT EXHIBITIONS (PVT) LTD. is founded with the principal objective of building bridges among Pakistan and International Countries by promoting commerce, trade and business through its corporate Exhibitions and Conferences." He also said that "FAKT EXHIBITIONS (PVT) LTD. recognizes the need of trade and commerce among different industrial sectors and therefore it has planned to organize nine (09) events including five (05) new events in 2012. He also told media that the company has been successfully organizing IGATEX- The Regional Largest Textile Exhibition, 3P- Plastic, Printing & Packaging and F+T- Food + Technology & PMTM- Pakistan Machine Tools & Machinery Exhibitions & conferences. These exhibitions have turned to be trendsetter trade events among their respective industries." Later on he explained the motive of each of the new event by telling that International Building & Construction Materials, Furniture, Property, Stone and Technology Exhibition & Conference from March 10 - 12, 2012 will highlight the immense potential of Building and Construction Industry in Pakistan. The event is supported by Pakistan Industrial Development Corp., Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (PCSIR), Pakistan Stone Development Company, All Pakistan Marble Industries Association (APMIA) and All Pakistan Furniture Exporters Association (APFEA). International Information Technology & Telecom Exhibition & Conference from April 7-9, 2012 will showcase the latest and state of the art products and technologies of IT and Telecom sector. The event is supported by Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (PCSIR) and Internet Service Provider Association of Pakistan (ISPAK). International Energy, Gas, Oil, & Power Exhibition & Conference from September 18 - 20, 2012 will focus on unexplored oil and gas reserves in Pakistan. It also encompasses International Fire, Safety, Security & Rescue Exhibition & Conference which will showcase the latest technologies and security measures. The Strategic Partner of the event is Renewable Energy Society of Pakistan (RESEARCH) and is also supported by Oil & Gas Development Authority (OGRA), National Energy Conservation Centre (ENERCON), Renewable & Alternative Energy Association of Pakistan (REAP),Private Power & Infrastructure Board (PPIB) and Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (PCSIR). ICADEX - International Chemical & Dyes Exhibition & Conference along with IGATEX 2012 which will focus on all kinds of Custom, Fine & Specialty Chemicals and dyes. These events are
being organized by FAKT EXHIBITIONS (PVT) LTD. with its international
partners CEMS Singapore and Chan Chao Int'l Co., Ltd. ICADEX Pakistan 2012 – Absolute Orchestration of Chemicals, Dyes & Pigments Industry FAKT EXHIBITIONS (PVT) LTD. – the leading B2B event organizers of Pakistan brings ICADEX Pakistan 2012 from October 3 - 6, 2012, where opportunity, inspiration and challenges will be all in play along with IGATEX Pakistan - The Region’s Largest Textile & Garment Machinery Exhibition of Pakistan at Expo Centre, Lahore, Pakistan. Connects Right People at Right Time: Every visitor at ICADEX Pakistan 2012 will have the power to influence business of Chemical & Dyes industry and catalyze growth. This is because they are all decision-makers: people who have the power to decide on suppliers & service partners and confirm orders on the spot. The Event also brings merchandising, sourcing and procurement professionals representing domestic brands as well as exporters. Source & View Everything that Contributes to the Business of Chemicals, Dyes & Pigments: ICADEX Pakistan 2012 is the only business platform that provides chance to share the passion for innovation, discover new breakthroughs, find stimulating new ideas that fire your imagination, strike up strategic new alliances to boost your business so, realize how much beneficial it is to be a part of this B2B Event! Visitors' Profile Exhibitors'
Profile Formulation
and Distribution Centre: Pakistan
Chemicals & Dyes Merchants’ Association: KARACHI: The export of chemicals and pharmaceutical products increased by 43 percent in first quarter of 2011-2012 July, September as compared to same period last year, Federal Bureau of Statistics FBS data said. Pakistan exported chemicals, pharmaceutical products worth $257 million during July-September 2011 as against $179 million in July- September 2010. Chemicals products export rose by 39.76 percent, increasing from $82.40 million to $115.17 million. Pharmaceutical products export stood at $29.10 million as against $33.90 million in same period of last fiscal. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Chemicals import from Vietnam is increased; Commercial Counsellor of Vietnam Commercial Counsellor of Vietnam, Nguyen Hong Tien, stressed on the need to enhance Pak-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Cooperation and regular exchange of trade information while addressing the members of Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association. Commercial Counsellor of Vietnam also asserted upon the importance of frequent exchange of trade delegations and stated that Pakistani businessmen can easily get the business visa on the basis of sponsorship of their Vietnams counterparts. Commercial Counsellor was invited by the Chairman, Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association, Muhammad Haroon Agar at PCDMA where he addressed the members and informed that Vietnams exports were 71 billion USD in year 2010 while imports were 84 billion USD, whereas the Vietnam exports to Pakistan were 143 million USD and imports from Pakistan were 109 million USD. Commercial Counsellor appreciated that the import of Chemicals from Vietnam is increased and Vietnams Government desires to facilitate the importers. He said that at times the business visa delayed as it is issued by the Vietnam Immigration Authority. He suggested that if tourist visa applied it will be issued in short time, as the Vietnam Government prefer to issue Tourist visas. Muhammad Haroon Agar, Chairman, Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association apprised the Vietnams Commercial Counsellor about the problems faced by the members in the issuance of business visas and urged to simplify the procedures for swift issuance so that the bilateral trade volume may increase. Agar stated that the business visas be issued on priority on the recommendation of PCDMA. ____________________________________________________________________________________ ENROLMENT AS A MEMBER OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE Dear Members, Subsequently to Circular no: 30 dated 5th November, 2010 regarding the formation of the Sub-Committee, Chairman PCDMA Mr. Mohammad Haroon Agar likes to draw the attention of the members to join the Sub-Committees at their own choice to serve PCDMA. In this regard interested members are requested to come up with their interest in writing either to Chairman or Secretary General not later than February 25, 2011 so that they may be accommodated in their desired Sub-Committees to serve the members with their best abilities and satisfactions. SYED SHAKIL AHMED Secretary General _____________________________________________________________________________________ Colossal
loss feared; imports from China under FTA: Haroon Agar Chinese Trade Delegation Proposed Pak-China JV will provide low cost raw materials to cater national need: Haroon Agar Frequent Exchange of trade delegation will multiply bilateral trade: Saeed Shafiq Pakistan is an attractive destination for investment and joint ventures,” stated by Wang Zhuo, President of China Dyestuff Industries Association, in a B2B meeting held with the Office Bearers, Executive Committee Members and members of Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association and Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The 24-members Chinese trade delegation visited Pakistan on the invitation of Muhammad Haroon Agar, Chairman, Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association, to explore the possibilities of joint ventures and setting up the industrial base for chemical, dyestuff raw materials in Pakistan. Earlier, Muhammad Haroon Agar, Chairman, Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association, also arranged a visit of Chinese delegation to three important industrial concerns, Gul Ahmed Textiles, Yunus Textiles & Al-Karam Textiles, where they analysed and appreciated the production and manufacturing capabilities. Wang Zhou, President, China Dyestuff Industries Association, termed the visit of Chinese delegation successful for gathered incisive insight of raw materials and declared it as a significant development in the bilateral trade between two countries. Zhou underscored the possibilities of joint ventures and invited the business community to participate in the 11th International Dyestuff Exhibition to be held in China this year. Zhou also asserted upon the need of frequent exchange of trade information and delegations. Muhammad Haroon Agar, Chairman, Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association, while speaking with the delegation said that Pak-China joint ventures will provide raw-material on low cost which will also increase the cost of manufacturing and doing business. Agar appreciated the visit of delegation and said that it will shun the negative perception of Pakistan due to law & order around the globe. Agar while ensuring the Chinese delegation his best support articulated that Pakistan imports from China Chemicals, Dyes, Plastics, raw materials worth around 3 billion USD every year whereby a great amount of foreign exchange is exhausted in this import, therefore, Pak-China Joint Ventures will lead to visible enhancement in the foreign direct investment, decrease in the cost of manufacturing and saving of foreign exchange. Mahmood Salam, Coordinator-PCDMA pointed out some complaints substandard chemical import and suggested for establishing a “Joint Dispute Resolution Committee” to address the problems. Muhammad Saeed Shafiq, President-KCCI, while presiding over the said meeting announced the session productive, stating that regular exchange of delegations with open new avenues of bilateral trade and exploration of trade prospects. Saeed said that exchange of trade delegations are imperative to multiply bilateral trade. Saeed also invited the Chinese counterparts to participate in the KCCI’s 8th My-Karachi Exhibition to be held in July 2011. Sheikh Imran Saleem, Vice Chairman PCDMA, Co-leader of Chinese Delegation Li Yan and other Executive Members also participated in the meeting. ______________________________________________________________________________________ Committed to Public Service & Steadfast to Resolve the Problems of Business Community: SIRAJ TELI Businessmen Group (BMG) is playing a productive role with a sincere enterprise to resolve the problems of the business community”, expressed by Siraj Kassam Teli, Chairman, Businessmen Group & former President-KCCI, while addressing at the inauguration ceremony of expansion & renovation of Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association Head Office at Karachi. Siraj Teli focused that BMG will never leave alone the business community and raise voice to protect and promote its genuine and legal rights with the high-ups of the government. Teli underlined the importance of unity and harmony amongst the business community for resolving the problems. Teli stated that collective efforts are required on RGST issue and without consultation and removal of the apprehensions, RGST would not be acceptable at all, as it will have a destructive impact on the economy ; commercial and industrial activities will face another slowdown. Teli stated that the Bolton Market Tragedy was a difficult task and a challenge for KCCI, however, compensation amount of 1.4 billion to 1751 affactees became possible, we find no such example in the history of Pakistan where compensation was provided within one-month time. Teli expressed gratitude and compliments to the members of the business community and said that with their support BMG is winning the elections at KCCI since last 13 years and never lost one single seat. Zubair Motiwala, Advisor to Chief Minister on Investment and Vice Chairman BMG said that due to political uncertainty, deteriorating law & order situation, and weak policies of the government the business situation is becoming difficult, whereas, such protest of the business community is also increased, therefore, Govt should take serious notice accordingly. Motiwala commented that RGST imposition will have a negative impact on the legal business while smuggling will multiply. If the Govt impose RGST the there will be a gap of 15 percent between the real business person and smuggler and the cost of doing business will increase, he said. Saeed Shafiq, President-KCCI ensured best support and cooperation to PCDMA on their issues with the government. Haroon Agar, Chairman, Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association (PCDMA) paid glowing tribute to Siraj Kassam Teli and Zubair Motiwala for their priceless services and efforts to promote trade & industry and resolve the problems of business and industrial community. Agar highlighted the proactive role of Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry for supporting other trade bodies; recommending solutions for their problems to the concerned quarters. Agar said that RGST will have destructive repercussions on the commercial activities and without consultation of stakeholders RGST is not acceptable. Abdul Razzak Agar, Special Assistant to Chief Minister Sindh, Talat Mahmood, SVP-KCCI, Shaikh Imran Saleem, Vice Chairman PCDMA, Muhammad Idrees, Karachi Electronics Dealers Association, prominent businessmen Rafiq Bilwani, Amir Abdullah Zaki, Younus Bashir and Managing Committee Members of PCDMA also participated in the meeting. Siraj Teli also inaugurated the new office of PCDMA. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Indian High Commissioner ensures swift visa to businessmen Sharat Sabharwal, Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan has ensured swift issuance of business visas, in a meeting held with Chairman and Members of Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association. Sharat Sabharwal, Indian High Commissioner along with R.K. Sharma, Economic & Commercial Counsellor, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, Visa Counseller visited on the invitation of Muhammad Haroon Agar, Chairman, Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association. Indian High Commissioner while addressing the PCDMA Chairman & members assured that business visa will be processed and issued on priority to the Association’s members. He stated that Pakistan is an important country for India in respect of trade and subsequently the business community of both countries are maintaining cordial relations. He said that Pakistan imports chemicals, dyes, spices, plastics products etc. in large quantity from India. He highlighted that the Indian export has crossed 600 bn, while the bilateral trade volume with joint efforts can rise to the level of 10 to 12 billion USD. Indian High Commissioner stated that they treat all trading partners equivalent and efforts are underway to enhance bilateral relations as well. Referring the SAFTA agreement, he said that it would act productive if Pakistan accords India MFN status. Muhammad Haroon Agar, Chairman, Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association (PCDMA) drew the attention of Indian High Commissioner towards delays in the issuance of business visas to members and requested to simplify the visa procedures. Agar requested the Indian High Commissioner to grant visas to members on priority on association’s recommendation. Agar during welcome speech stated that as per the figures of State Bank of Pakistan, India Trade Volume in 2009-10 was $ 1.38 Billion. Bilateral trade has a potential to increase upto US$ 5. He said that Trade between India and Pakistan is less than 0.5% against their total trade and this should be increased. He quoted that as per information Pakistan Exported goods valued US$ 268.33 Million and Imported US$ 1.03 Billion in 2009-10 whereas, Pakistan suffers a trade deficit with India and Trade is in Indian favour. Agar observed that Pakistan imports some Indian items through informal trade via Dubai & Singapore which is estimated around US$ 2-3 billion per year, and this trade could obviously be undertaken bilaterally at significant lower cost. Removing non tariff barriers from Indian side could pave the way for Pakistan to enhance its trade and to narrow down the trade deficit, he added. Agar said that there is an unlawful trade amounting to US$ 2 to 3 Billion, if legal trade is enhanced, illegal trade and smuggling could be checked. Agar also stressed upon the need of Pakistan and Indian Chambers and Associations frequent interaction. He said that PCDMA believe to enhance bilateral trade between two countries, with regular exchange of trade delegations and interaction between the leading trade associations with active participation in exhibitions of two countries. Shaikh Imran Saleem, Vice Chairman PCDMA, and Managing Committee Members of PCDMA also participated in the meeting. _____________________________________________________________________________________ RENEWAL OF ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP OF THE PCDMA FOR THE YEAR 2011-2012 This is for general information of all members of the Association that under the Trade Organization Ordinance, 2006 and subsequent to “Trade Organization Rules, 2007”, subscription for the current financial year has become due for payment and expiring on 31st March 2011. Under clause 46(iii) of the Article of the Association of Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association, any member who does not pay this subscription by 31st March 2011, shall be deemed to have been automatically removed from the membership register of this Association. Please make it convenient to renew your Membership (which is starting from 1st February 2011) within the due dates by remitting us a sum of Rs. 1000/= (Rupees One Thousand only) by Cash, Cheque, Demand Draft in favour of “Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association” Karachi. It is further requested that please don’t forget to bring your Membership No…and IT Return copy of June, 2010 at the time of Renewal. All the members of the Association may contact the Head Office at Karachi for their renewals of Membership. The members belonging to Faisalabad may contact Mr. Muhammad Younus Convener Faisalabad M/s. Universal Chemical Store, P-79, Street #4, Inside Kutchery – Chiniot Bazar, Faisalabad. Ph: 041-2615486 Members belonging to N.W.F.P. and other Cities of Punjab please be contacted to Mr. Talha Bin Zaheer, Secretary, Northern Regional office Suite # 205-206, Ainak Mahal, Shah Alam Market, Lahore or Mr. Amir Munir, President, Northern Regional office at M/s. Al Hamd Corporation H-1223 Inside Akbari Mandi, Lahore Ph: 042-37660851-37666686 As per DTO orders dated 24-02-1997 the Membership will be renewed only upon providing the copy of filing of return or statement under section 115(4) of the Income tax Ordinance 2000 (previously section 143-B of the Income Tax Ordinance 1979) for the latest proceeding year i.e. assessment year 2010-2011, (year ending June 30, 2010). The last date of payment for Renewals of Membership is 31st March 2011 for the year 2011-2012. SYED SHAKIL AHMED Secretary General ______________________________________________________________________________________ IMPORTERS RECORD PROTEST AGAINST CLAIMING OF ADDITIONAL CHARGES BY SHIPPING LINES Currency Adjustment Factor & other additional charges claimed culminating to increase in the cost of doing business, PCDMA condemns the raise and appeals MoC for rectification Muhammad Haroon Agar, Chairman, Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association, has appealed the Ministry of Commerce, to devise some mechanisms or impose regulations to shun the abusive dominance and cartelization of shipping lines/agents stating that shipping lines/agents claim from importers and exporters, unwarranted additional charges in different headers. Haroon Agar while expressing deep concerned has appealed the Federal Commerce Minister to take notice of such possessive practices by shipping lines/agents and apprised the Minister that Shipping-lines/agents, keeping their eyes wide shut towards the incentivizing policy of this democratic government, are stubborn to impose their abusive dominance and cartelization while enforcing various unprovoked additional charges from time to time, which increases the cost of doing business and resulting financial losses to importers/exporters who are contributing a major chunk in the government revenue. Copy of said letter is also sent to Federal Finance Minister, Federal Minister for Ports & Shipping, concerned Federal Secretaries, Chairman-FBR, DG-FIA and Federal Tax Ombudsman informing about the new practice of claiming additional charges started by few Shipping Companies/Agents claiming additional unprovoked charges in the headers of Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF), Karachi Port Surchage (KPS) US$50, Splitting Charges etc. in recent new imported consignments and urged to stop such activities as it would become vogue practice being followed by other shipping lines/agents. Agar, in a press statement, further elaborated that due to unfair practices for earning high profits, the shipping lines/agents are generating billions of rupees whereas as importers/exporters face losses as counter effect. Agar said that in the wake of claiming additional charges by shipping lines/agents the per container charges are now raised from Rs.18000 to Rs.23000, nevertheless, alongside, the terminals are also collecting handling charges Rs.16200 per container. Agar voiced that shipping lines/agents even in the adverse economic scenario in the country are earning billions of rupees whereas the importers/exporters are being penalized in the presence of manifold problems viz. High cost of doing business, multiples taxes and levies etc. Agar feared that since the inflation is already touching the sky, such unfair acts bring an inflationary effect and upshot in the prices of commodities, essential items and raw materials. Agar appealed the Federal Ministers and concerned quarters to look into this long withstanding matter and suggested a formation of vigilance committee to monitor the shipping lines/agents. Agar further recommended that imposing/withdrawing of regular or additional charges should only be enforced with consent of commerce ministry and consultation of stakeholders/ trade bodies and unfair and adamant practices of shipping lines/agents be eradicated. |
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| International News | ||
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Eastman
Increases OXO Alcohols Prices
Eastman Chemical Company is increasing prices on the following products effective Feb. 1, or as contracts allow. These increases are due to increased market demand and operating costs, particularly in raw materials, energy and freight. EASTMAN™ 2-Ethylhexanol: List and off-list price increase of $US 0.10 /lb ($US 0.10/lb ($US 0.22/kg) ) in North America and Latin America. EASTMAN™ 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid: List and off-list price increase of $US 0.10 /lb ($US 0.10/lb ($US 0.22/kg) ) in North America and Latin America. EASTMAN™ n-Butyl Alcohol: List and off-list price increase of $US 0.10 /lb ($US 0.10/lb ($US 0.22/kg) ) in North America and Latin America. EASTMAN™ Isobutyl Alcohol: List and off-list price increase of $US 0.10 /lb ($US 0.10/lb ($US 0.22/kg) ) in North America and Latin America. EASTMAN™ n-Butyraldehyde,
all grades: List and off-list price increase of $US 0.10 /lb ($US 0.10/lb
($US 0.22/kg) ) in North America. Solvias' new office and laboratory building is officially opened. Just in time for the New Year, the company relocated from Basel to Kaiseraugst. The new laboratories offer more space to provide the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry with the spectrum of services that includes analysis of large and small molecules, solid-state development, and process analytical technology with fiber optic probes. For Solvias the advantage is clear: many employees, who so far worked from various locations, are now shaping the company's future together united under one roof in Kaiseraugst. Increasing the capacity and laboratories with the latest technology "Our processes will clearly be optimized by the close cooperation of individual departments and the shorter distances," says Hansjörg Walter, CEO of Solvias AG. "Now, we are able to serve our customers more swiftly and more efficiently." This concept did not only consider the present but also the future. Interior rooms are designed with moveable partition walls allowing the building to be utilized for multiple purposes. Installations can be adapted swiftly and without interrupting operations. Solvias provides primarily analytical services for the pharmaceutical industry on 6,400 square meters of laboratory space (14,000 square meters of gross floor space). The accessible temperature-controlled rooms have clearly created an increased capacity for stability studies. To satisfy market demands for early stage projects requiring limited sample quantities, Solvias applies the latest technology in high-throughput screening and introduces salt programs with significantly reduced sample quantities. A corporate center of excellence for chemical development completes the integrated services by Solvias. This center provides such special services as the production of pharmaceutical agents to the clinical phase II a, which for now, remains at the Basel location. Plenty of space
for the future
The agreement - with Eldorado Celulose e Papel - emphasizes the importance of high growth markets to AkzoNobel and will help drive the medium-term strategy of doubling revenue in Brazil to €1.5 billion. It also underlines the value the company attaches to securing long-terms partnerships with customers. The investment - AkzoNobel's biggest ever in Latin America - is centered on further expanding Eka Chemicals' sustainability focused Chemical Island concept. It will involve supplying, storing and handling all chemicals for the 1.5 million tons per year green field mill, which is being constructed in the northern part of Três Lagoas City. The mill is expected to come on stream in September 2012. "This 15-year agreement confirms our intention to accelerate growth and expand our activities in the world's high growth regions," said Rob Frohn, the AkzoNobel Board member responsible for Specialty Chemicals. "We are about to make one of the biggest investments in our history, which emphasizes both the importance of Latin America to our growth ambitions and our commitment to the pulp and paper industry." Added Pulp and Paper Chemicals General Manager Jan Svärd: "Future demand for pulp and paper chemicals in Latin America is projected to increase substantially over the next 15 years. This agreement therefore represents an exciting opportunity for us to expand our operations in the region and further underlines the value our customers attach to our Chemical Island concept." He went on to explain that Eka Chemicals will be building a world scale sodium chlorate production unit to supply the projected demands of the Eldorado mill, which has been designed to accommodate three pulp lines. The new Eka Chemicals facility will also supply other key customers in Brazil. Work on the new pulp mill site started in June last year. Commenting on the agreement, Eldorado President Rogerio D'Alcantara Peres, said: "Building the world's largest pulp mill requires working with reliable partners who can provide the best technology. AkzoNobel's proven Chemical Island concept, together with the company's world class expertise and strong commitment to sustainability, meant that they were a natural choice for this major project." The new facility
will expand Eka Chemicals' well established pulp and paper activities
in Brazil, where the business already operates its Chemical Island concept
at several mills, as well as running production units in Jacareí,
Eunapolis, Três Lagoas, Rio de Janeiro and Jundiaí. The German duo were responsible for devising the Haber-Bosch process, perhaps the most recognised chemical process in the world, which captures nitrogen from the air and converts it to ammonia for use in fertilisers. Haber developed a high-temperature high-pressure process to break the triple bonds of atmospheric nitrogen while Bosch was responsible for scaling up the process, finding cheaper ways of producing hydrogen and developing both a new catalyst and reactor which could withstand both the temperature and pressure of the reaction. The process is still used throughout the chemical process industries today, 100 years since its inception. The pair topped a poll in which members of IChemE were invited to vote for the chemical engineers that have most changed the world with 24% of the vote. Bosch was a chemical engineer at BASF and Andreas Kreimeyer, the company's current research executive director says that the memory of Haber and Bosch lives on: "The entrepreneurial spirit of Haber and Bosch in developing this new groundbreaking technology still serves as a role model for the culture of innovation at BASF. "The Haber-Bosch process was certainly the key to accessing the large amount of fertilizer needed to boost crop output to fight hunger, and has proved to be an enduring invention since that time. More than 100 million metric tons of nitrogen-containing fertilizers are still produced by this process annually, helping to feed more than 40% of the earth’s population." The poll runner-up was Henry Bessemer, a nineteenth century English engineer whose Bessemer process saw a dramatic cut in the cost of steel, enabling the second industrial revolution – the mass production of goods, and the rise of the modern factory. Other candidates included George Rosenkranz, Luis Miramontes and Carl Djerassi, the men behind the contraceptive pill; Carl von Linde and William Hampson who gave us the Hampson - Linde air separation cycle; Csaba Horváth who introduced high-throughput liquid chromatography; and Jasper Kane and John McKeen for scaling up the production of penicillin in the midst of World War II. Claudia Flavell While, editor of tce magazine says: “No one can doubt the significance of the Haber-Bosch process – without fertilisers, the Earth could only sustain a population of around 4 billion humans, rather than the almost seven billion we have today. Chemical engineers are all too often the ‘forgotten’ heroes; it is very gratifying to be able to put them in the limelight for a change.” For further media
information, interviews or supporting photography, please contact: About chemical engineers About IChemE Huntsman plans to invest more than $70 million at its Jurong Island plant in a move that will more than double the site’s manufacturing capabilities, help satisfy increasing global demand for polyetheramines and strengthen the company’s leadership position in this technology. In the last five years, Huntsman – the world’s leading polyetheramine producer – has seen interest in its JEFFAMINE® amines accelerate dramatically. Polyetheramines are typically employed in epoxy coatings or in additives that enhance the performance of fuels, concrete and pesticides. With new amine applications emerging all the time, Huntsman is forecasting significant mid-term growth in the sector. Stu Monteith President of Huntsman’s Performance Products division said: “When our Jurong site first opened in 2007 it was designed to produce 16,000 tons of polyetheramines per annum. However, in the last few years demand has begun to outstrip production capabilities across our three main production sites in Singapore; Conroe, Texas; and Llanelli in Wales. Adding this extra 40,000 tons of capacity in Asia is in line with our regional growth projections for the next decade and will optimize our global manufacturing footprint for specialty amines, enabling us to flex and respond more quickly to customer requirements.” Although Huntsman already has a significant position in the market, it expects demand for its JEFFAMINE® amines range to intensify across all regions over the next decade, particularly in Asia-Pacific – where volume is set to grow by at least 10% per year. About
Huntsman: DuPont Protection Technologies is a leader in technologies and products that protect people, the environment and critical assets worldwide. DuPont (www.dupont.com)
is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont
puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to
a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in
more than 90 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products
and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and
construction; communications; and transportation. The facility - which will produce coil and specialty plastic coatings - is located in Hoskote on an existing AkzoNobel site which already manufactures marine and protective coatings, automotive coatings and powder coatings. "India will develop into one of the world's economic powerhouses and it ranks very highly on our list of priority high growth countries," said Leif Darner, the AkzoNobel Board member responsible for Performance Coatings. "We are already well represented in India, but as the largest global producer of coatings, we are committed to making a significant contribution to the country's continued development." Added Conrad Keijzer, Managing Director of AkzoNobel Industrial Coatings: "Increasing our capacity in India is important because local demand is growing. This is being driven by a number of factors, particularly the rapid increase in average household incomes and the associated growth of the housing, construction, consumer electronics and automotive sectors." The technologies most in demand include laser-etch coatings for the automotive industry, soft-touch technology for smart phones and coil coatings for high performance steel and aluminum construction markets. The new Bangalore facility will be capable of manufacturing up to 18 million liters per year, with scope for further expansion. The additional capacity will also boost the company's ability to meet the growing demand in India and neighboring countries. AkzoNobel currently
employs around 1,500 people in India and operates six production facilities,
two research laboratories and around a dozen sales locations, representing
activities from across all Coatings and Specialty Chemicals businesses. The two companies have been working together since 2008, when AkzoNobel - through its Sikkens brand - became the official supplier of paint solutions to the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team. Under the new four-year agreement, AkzoNobel will work closely with McLaren Racing to further develop its extreme environment technology for use in Formula 1 and wider industrial applications. "Our innovative
capabilities are well suited to McLaren's high performance requirements,"
said AkzoNobel CEO, Hans Wijers. "The shared knowledge we have
gained from the existing partnership has already enabled us to translate
80 percent of the tailor-made solution supplied to McLaren Racing into
a commercial value proposition for AkzoNobel customers. Now, with an
exciting new agreement in place, we will look to further build on the
pioneering work which both companies are currently carrying out to develop
a next generation of superior coatings products."
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