Chinese company Anhui Hwasu Co., Ltd acquires license to use Arkema PVC production process

12/17/2009    Press Release

The company Anhui Hwasu Co, Ltd, a subsidiary of the Chinese group Huaibei Mining, has opted for Arkema’s production process for its new 1,000,000 ton PVC production plant in Luquiao, Anhui Province. This project entails two consecutive phases, with the first to be launched in 2011, and will represent the world’s largest PVC production plant. As part of the cooperation agreement reached in November 2008 with Arkema, Aker Solutions will prepare the basic engineering for the plant.

“ The licensing agreement concluded with Anhui Hwasu Co, Ltd for this project underlines the unique qualities of Arkema’s PVC suspension process which make it one of the most efficient PVC technologies available. We are convinced that our cooperation with a respected engineering partner like Aker Solutions has been a decisive element in the process of obtaining this agreement.“, states Otto Takken, Vice President of Arkema’s Vinyl Products business segment.

" This latest project award is a further demonstration of the successful Aker Solutions - Arkema relationship. With our strong engineering know-how and our immense project track record in China, we are well-placed to provide first-class engineering expertise to this project ", said Johan Cnossen, Regional SVP - Europe, Middle East and Africa for Aker Solutions’ Process and Construction business.

This PVC production plant is part of a global project which includes upstream chlorine soda electrolysis and a vinyl chloride monomer production plant as well as a power plant.

The licensing agreement covers the operation of the Arkema technology, basic engineering, and technical assistance for the plant’s startup.

A global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema consists of three businesses: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. Arkema reports sales of 5.6 billion euros. Arkema has 15,000 employees in over 40 countries and six research centers located in France, the United States and Japan. With internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in its principal markets.

Aker Solutions ASA, through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Aker Solutions"), is a leading global provider of engineering and construction services, technology products and integrated solutions.  Aker Solutions' business serves several industries, including oil & gas, refining & chemicals, mining & metals and power generation. The Aker Solutions group is organised in a number of separate legal entities. Aker Solutions is used as the common brand/trademark for most of these entities.
Aker Solutions' parent company is Aker Solutions ASA.  Aker Solutions has aggregated annual revenues of approximately NOK 58 billion and employs approximately 22 000 people in about 30 countries.
Aker Solutions is part of Aker (www.akerasa.com), a group of premier companies with a focus on energy, maritime and marine resource industries. The Aker companies share a common set of values and a long tradition of industrial innovation. As an industrial owner controlling 40.27 percent of the shares in Aker Solutions through Aker Holding AS, Aker ASA takes an active role in the development of Aker Solutions. 
This press release may include forward-looking information or statements and is subject to our disclaimer, see www.akersolutions.com.