Speciality chemicals company Clariant (Muttenz / Switzerland; www.clariant.com) officially opened its new masterbatch production site in Yanbu / Saudi Arabia, on 19 January 2018 (see Plasteurope.com of 16.02.2016). "This joint investment with Rowad [Tasnee subsidiary] expands our global network with a stronger position in the Middle East and Africa region, one of the important growth markets for plastic applications," said CFO Patrick Jany.

The plant is owned by joint venture Clariant Masterbatches Saudi Arabia, and was built on a 38,000 m² site in industrial zone 2 at Yanbu, a city on the Red Sea. The facility is to focus on production of white masterbatches. Clariant says the site has the advantages of easy access to raw materials and a good logistics network to supply customers by seaport or airport. In Saudi Arabia, the Swiss company operates another masterbatch plant in the capital, Riyadh.