The additives market was quite active in terms of mergers and acquistions over the past year

Solvay completed the acquisition of Sunshield Chemicals in order to expand their surfactant and product development in India.
“We’ve also invested in an ‘on-pipe’ alkoxylation plant at Shell’s world-class integrated Jurong Island Park, securing a regional hub for surfactant development in Singapore and Southeast Asia,” Sel Avci, business development manager, Solvay Novecare Coatings said. “In addition, Solvay has invested in an on-pipe alkoxylation plant on Equistar’s Pasadena, Texas EO production site, which will increase its ethoxylation capacity in North America. Solvay also extended its leadership in Oil & Gas chemical solutions with the acquisition of US-based Chemlogics.”

Coatex completed the acquisition of a manufacturing facility located in Brazil at the end of 2012 and finalized its construction of a new manufacturing plant in Changshu China in August 2011.

“These recent additions to the Coatex manufacturing grid result in Coatex having a major manufacturing presence in each region of the globe – allowing the Global Coatings Market easier access to Coatex’ innovative technology platforms,” said Amber Goodyear, marketing manager, Coatex Inc.

In October 2013 DuPont announced a full separation of its Performance Chemicals segment through a tax-free spin-off to shareholders, subject to customary closing conditions. 

“After separation, expected to take place in 2015, Performance Chemicals will emerge as a top global industrial chemicals company with industry-leading products and strong cash flow,” said Joe McClung, global market manager, DuPont Fluoropolymer Solutions.“DuPont Capstone fluorosurfactant additives are part of one of the businesses that will be included in the spin-off. “
In 2012, Troy unveiled a state-of-the-art 1,500m2 logistics center in Thailand to service customers in Asia.
“Troy also doubled the size of its Thailand manufacturing site, significantly increasing the versatility and capacity of production,” said Izzy Colon, VP/general manager, additives, Troy Corporation. “In 2013, Troy opened its new Technical Service and R&D Center in Bangkok, Thailand. The new facility represents a major expansion of laboratory facilities for new product development, technical service, and field-testing. Troy has been a dedicated supplier to the Asia-Pacific coatings industry since 1970, and has manufactured products in Asia since 1997.”
Ashland has begun manufacturing industrial biocides at their existing Macon, Georgia facility.

“We have identified our existing manufacturing facility in Macon, Georgia as an ideal location to manufacture Ashland’s industrial biocides,” said Griffin Gappert, new product leader, coatings specialties, Ashland Specialty Ingredients. “Macon had existing capabilities making blended products and the majority of biocides are blended formulations.  Using the existing expertise at the plant made this a cost-effective option for Ashland.”

BASF recently announced new production for additives manufacturing in Nanjing, China and is currently communicating with customers regarding production expansion at its West Memphis, AR, USA site.  Both will come on stream in 2014.
BYK completed the acquisition of Rockwood’s rheology business, raising sales to 1.9 billion. They also acquired the business of the wax additive manufactuer ChemCor, USA Wesel. In addition to this, they expanded their Wallingford, CT plant.
In May 2013 Croda acquired the Specialty Products business of US based Arizona Chemical. As well as growing Croda’s footprint in the polymers area, the acquisition extends the company’s offering of oil gelling polymers. In July 2013 Croda acquired a 65% equity interest in Sichuan Sipo Chemical Co. Ltd (“Sipo”), a natural specialty chemicals manufacturer based in Mianyang City, Sichuan Province, China.