The EUR30m plant will be used to supply products for the production of ultrapure water for the semiconductor and pharmaceuticals industries, industrial water treatment, food production and power generation.
The plant will enter into pilot and development phase by the end of this year. According to a press release by the company, the first products are expected to be introduced in the market by 2011.
A plot adding up to some 4,000sqmt has been set aside to create high-tech laboratories, logistics areas, offices and a new production unit. Lanxess is also constructing a plant for ion exchange resins in Jhagadia, India, which is slated to commence operation later in 2010.
Axel Heitmann, chair of the board of management at Lanxess, said: “Usable water supplies are dwindling worldwide, thus becoming an increasingly valuable resource. Thanks to Lanxess’ pioneering investment in Bitterfeld, we are now able to offer additional products for water treatment and thus further strengthen our strong market position. Our high-tech products, such as the powerful Lewatit ion exchange resins, are already helping to ease global water problems today,” reported the website.