Rhodia Completes Multi-Million Dollar Upgrade At Chicago-Area Surfactants Facility

Cranbury, NY - Growing customer demand for enhanced personal care products has prompted a multi-million dollar manufacturing upgrade at a Chicago-area plant operated by specialty chemical producer Rhodia Inc.

The project includes an upgraded reactor system (sulphonation) and blending vessels that increase Rhodia's overall capacity for specialty surfactant products. These improvements allow the site to meet growing demand for Rhodia's Miracare SLB structured surfactant compositions.

Miracare SLB products are innovative structured liquid systems used in personal care cleansing products The Miracare SLB products impart multiple sensorial and performance benefits, especially the long-lasting moisturizing effects that are increasingly popular with consumers. The Miracare SLB line also allows very diverse textures for skin-care products, from cream to lotion-like.

The Blue Island plant also hosted other enhancements including an improved control system, additional product storage, and quality assurance, mechanical, environmental, and safety upgrades.

"These enhancements will improve product quality and consistency, flexibility of operations, and improved service and delivery to our customers around the world," explained Stewart Warburton, global business development director in Rhodia's Novecare enterprise. Brad Balint, Blue Island plant manager, added, "Blue Island is an integral part of our global surfactants strategy and our investments will ensure that the plant will deliver."

Located just south of Chicago, Rhodia's Blue Island, Ill., plant produces an extensive range of surfactants, surfactant blends, and structured liquid surfactants for the personal care, home care, industrial and institutional cleaning, agricultural, and oilfield markets. Ingredients produced at Blue Island are found in many popular consumer products including hand and body washes, shampoos and facial washes.

SOURCE: Rhodia Inc.