Kemira, Finland, reports that it will invest EUR 50-60 million in its Joutseno site in Finland to implement the company’s growth strategy. Kemira is planning to build a completely new sodium chlorate production line and cell-room based on Kemira's in-house technology that will significantly increase the Joutseno site's current sodium chlorate capacity. Construction is expected to start in June 2016, after fulfillment of certain regulatory requirements. During the construction phase, the indirect employment impact is about 200 people.

The new chlorate production unit is expected to be in operation during the fourth quarter of 2017. Sodium chlorate is the raw material for chlorine dioxide, which is produced on-site at the pulp mills and it is the primary bleaching agent for kraft pulp.

"The consumption of bleaching chemicals is increasing due to recent pulp mill expansions and announced greenfield projects in the Nordics. We want to invest in our sodium chlorate capacity to ensure our ability to effectively serve our customers. This investment supports our strategy to grow faster than the market and to strengthen Kemira's position as the leading chemical supplier for the pulp and paper industry," said Kim Poulsen, president, Kemira Pulp & Paper segment.

Kemira's Joutseno site currently employs 67 peoples and produces a wide range of chemicals for the pulp and paper industry.