Swiss speciality chemicals producer Clariant (Muttenz; www.clariant.com) has started construction of a new colour and additive masterbatch plant in Australia’s greater Sydney area. Investment costs or nameplate capacity were not disclosed, with the company merely saying that the facility is due to start up in Q4 this year.

The plant will produce a full range of masterbatches and also include colour matching and quality control capabilities. Commenting on the facility, executive committee member Mathias Lütgendorf said, “Asia Pacific region is one of Clariant’s focal areas for future development. The new Australian masterbatches plant will support our Masterbatches business to grow and to increase its customer service focus in the region.”

Earlier this year, the Swiss group brought on stream a masterbatch and pigments capacity expansion at its plant in Tangerang / Indonesia – see Plasteurope.com of 16.06.2014. Clariant reported operating profit (EBITDA) of CHF 214m (EUR 176m) in Q2 2014 – see Plasteurope.com of 04.08.2014.