Sika AG (Baar, Switzerland) is opening a state-of-the-art facility in Lima, Peru, to produce synthetic macro fibers, and expanding the rollout of a product range with great growth potential in Latin America. With this innovative technology, Sika is further strengthening its position as a leading supplier to the mining industry and a strong partner for infrastructure projects. Synthetic macro fibers are based on an advanced technology for the constructive and static reinforcement of concrete structures. They reduce construction time and costs by eliminating the need to install conventional reinforcement, while improving the properties of cured concrete. In addition, this innovative technology significantly extends the concrete structures’ lifespan compared to steel reinforcement. These factors have a positive sustainability impact on green building ratings such as the international LEED certification system.
“The growing mobility needs in urban environments require efficient transportation infrastructure, such as new road tunnels and subway systems. At the same time, the increasing global demand for critical minerals is driving the need for macro fibers to secure mining operations. With our state-of-the-art plant in Peru, we are ideally positioned to provide our customers all over Latin America with the full range of concrete technologies, while fulfilling the most demanding sustainability requirements of construction projects,” said Mike Campion, Regional Manager Americas.
The global demand for macrofibres is projected to increase considerably in the coming years. A quarter of this demand comes from Latin America, particularly from the mining and tunneling sectors, and is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 25% over the next five years. Peru, the leading mining country in Latin America, is expected to experience the highest volume growth in the region.
By Mary Bailey
Source: chemengonline.com
Italy’s Treasury has sold a 2.8% stake in oil and gas company Eni, raising approximately €1.4bn. Despite this reduction, the Italian Government will own a third of Eni, with a combined stake of more than 30% held between the Treasury and state lender Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, which owns another 28.5% stake.
Umicore announces the appointment of Bart Sap as Chief Executive Officer, effective May 16th. He will succeed Mathias Miedreich who has decided to step down, in mutual agreement with the Supervisory Board. Bart Sap joined Umicore in 2004 and has been the Executive Vice President Catalysis since March 2021.
Hungarian energy and petrochemicals group MOL has inaugurated its €1.3 billion polyol complex in Tiszaújváros, Hungary, with a capacity of around 200,000 t/y of polyol, a widely used plastic raw material. According to MOL, the commissioning is a significant milestone, as it is the only company in Hungary and Central and Eastern Europe that covers the entire value chain from crude oil processing to polyol production.
