Borealis inaugurated a new catalyst plant at their Linz location on June 3, 2013. The company has invested EUR 100 million in the construction of this facility which will produce chemical substances - so-called catalysts - utilising the proprietary Borealis Sirius catalyst technology. Catalysts enable a precise alignment of plastics properties with varying demands and requirements and help determine, among other things, the hardness, plasticity and/or elasticity of end products. The start-up of the plant will create 35 new jobs at the Linz location and strengthen Borealis' position along the entire plastics value chain: from research and development into and production of own catalysts, to application-oriented development of innovative end products in close co-operation with Borealis customers. Furthermore, the patented Borealis Sirius catalyst technology enhances the profitability and sustainability of the company in the plastics manufacturing sector.The opening of the new catalyst plant in Linz is a central pillar of the growth strategy within the Borealis polyolefins business segment. Since 2007, the company has already invested EUR 50 million in the development of its Innovation Headquarters in Linz, inaugurated in 2009. The construction of the catalyst plant involves an additional investment of EUR 100 million. Upon commencement of full operations at the plant, 35 new employees will join the existing 1,250 currently employed in Linz.
The opportunity to produce catalysts not only for the company's own use, but also to continue to develop new and improved catalysts is of prime importance for Borealis. "Research and innovation is the key to our successful Value Creation through Innovation strategy," emphasises Borealis Chief Executive Mark Garrett. "With today's inauguration of the new plant, we are not only strengthening our research expertise, but also our overall leadership role in the area of catalysts. We are positioning ourselves as a powerful partner in innovation in the development of high-quality product solutions," Mark Garrett explains. "This investment is yet another building block in our global growth strategy and will consolidate our position in Europe."
