Together with 160 guests from the industry, government and media, Baerlocher Plastic Additives (Jiangsu) Co. Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of plastics additives producer Baerlocher (Unterschleißheim / Germany; www.baerlocher.com) opened its new plant in Changzhou / China on 19 October 2012. With a capacity of 40,000 t/y, the plant which is supported by a "state of the art" application laboratory will produce calcium- and lead-based stabiliser systems.

The project is reported to be the largest investment of Baerlocher group in the last five years, although its financial details were not disclosed. During the opening ceremonies, Michael Rosenthal, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Baerlocher Group, disclosed the company's plans for further investment. Furthermore, with China showing the largest market growth in PVC during the past several years, Baerlocher continues to follow its policy to invest locally in order to "support regional needs with innovative solutions". Arne Schulle, CEO of Baerlocher Group, said that the operation, which currently employs more than 50 employees, will strengthen their position as a global leader in calcium-based stabiliser systems. Together with its local sales distribution company, Baerlocher (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd, the group claims to be the leading importer of solid PVC stabiliser in the region.

This project is set to complement Baerlocher's previous joint venture with Jiangsu U & B Liquid Stabilizer Manufacturing Co. Ltd, to produce liquid mixed metal stabilisers – see Plasteurope.com of 15.10.2010.