Solvay will build a specialty surfactant plant at an industrial park in Genthin, Germany, close to Berlin. The unit will develop and produce surfactant solutions for Solvay’s home and personal care and industrial customers serving Central and Eastern Europe.

“This investment advances the successful execution of our growth strategy, expanding production and development capabilities close to our markets and customers,” said Emmanuel Butstraen, president of Solvay Novecare. “In addition to strengthening our presence in the region, siting our investments in established manufacturing zones enables us to competitively scale up production.”

The plant will produce specialty surfactants that aid in the delivery of functional performance attributes such as cleansing, dispersal, moisturizing and texturizing qualities. The unit is scheduled to be operational by the first quarter of 2014 and initial operations will add more than 30 new jobs to the existing industrial platform in Genthin.