MUTTENZ, Switzerland - Clariant, a specialty chemicals company, will build a new pigment preparations plant in Indonesia in a series of investments to strengthen on-the-ground support for customers in China, India and Indonesia. The announcement marks another step in Clariant’s commitment to support customers in the emerging markets with high-quality, low-VOC pigment preparations complying with eco labeling schemes in the region. The company is investing approximately CHF 8 million to enhance its capabilities in the region.

The investments include the construction of a new pigment preparations plant at Clariant’s Tangerang site in Indonesia that will double capacity to support market growth in the country. Production is scheduled to start in September 2013. Clariant is also finalizing the feasibility of expanding the capacity at its Azo pigments and pigment preparations plants in Roha, India, by 50 percent. In order to increase market coverage, provide more intimate customer service and support, and enhance market knowledge, Clariant’s marketing and sales organization in China, India and Indonesia will be doubled throughout 2013.

Additionally, technical service capabilities in China will be strengthened by nearly doubling the number of technical professionals in Clariant’s STAR application laboratory in Shanghai.

Finally, Clariant will also expand its development capabilities in Roha (India), Shanghai and DaGang (China) to provide a faster response to requests for product development tailored to the needs of the local markets. The addition of Regional Product Managers for both Azo pigments and pigment preparations will strengthen this support.