CIECH is expanding its salt business in Germany: maximum production capacity in 2024 and strengthening the position of its own brand of salt tablets – AQUA PRO

Full production capacity of 450,000 tons per year in 2024, efficiency-enhancing MVR technology, the position of a European leader in the salt tablet market, and the development of a strong brand - CIECH is expanding its salt business thanks to its saltworks in Germany. The operation of one of the most modern production plants of this type in Europe, located in Stassfurt in Saxony-Anhalt, places the CIECH Group among the largest producers of evaporated salt in Europe.

The saltworks, located in the immediate vicinity of the existing soda factory, cost nearly PLN 700 million. It was a part of the largest investment program in the CIECH Group's history. The assortment of the modern facility in Germany, which was put into operation in 2021, includes salt tablets and table salt.

Modern technologies - energy-efficient production

The modern production plant of CIECH Salz Deutschland uses efficient and automated technologies, including MVR, which contributes to water evaporation by supplying steam under pressure. As a result, production at the Stassfurt saltworks is energy-efficient and low-emission, as well as it relies on its own sources of raw materials. The modernity of the plant is also reflected in waste management. CIECH Salz Deutschland is currently pursuing ISO 14001 certification confirming the highest environmental management standards.

"Thanks to our modern production plants and the highest quality products, we are successfully expanding our position in the European salt industry," says Philipp Kley, the CIECH Groups' Director of the Salt Business Unit.

The CIECH Group is also the largest producer of evaporated salt in Poland. The production capacity of the plant in Janikowo (in the Kuyavia region) reaches 550,000 tons of salt per year. The plant's product range includes table salt, salt tablets for water treatment, and salt granules. Apart from the domestic market, the salt from Janikowo is also exported to Central European and Scandinavian countries. Thanks to the location of CIECH's salt business production facilities in two countries, the total production capacity is expected to reach approximately 1 million tons per year, positioning CIECH as one of the leading producers of evaporated salt in Europe.

Leader on the salt tablets market and its own brand development

With the increasing demand for salt tablets for water softening, CIECH is strengthening its position as an industry leader throughout Europe, maximizing its production. The group also introduced a brand of high-quality salt tablets - AQUA PRO. This product is used in water softening systems, including the regeneration of ion exchange resins, water softeners, and multifunctional filters that capture water hardness-increasing elements such as calcium and magnesium. These tablets are currently produced in the German saltworks in Stassfurt and distributed to Western European markets, as well as to CIECH's production plant in Janikowo, making their way to Central and Eastern European markets and Scandinavia. The product is available, among others, in DIY-type hardware store chains.

"AQUA PRO is a clear example of our commitment and vision to maintain a leading position in the German market and beyond. We respond to the needs of our customers while also placing a strong emphasis on sustainable solutions in the salt industry," adds Philipp Kley.

CIECH is strengthening its position as a leading supplier on the growing market of salt tablets. This is especially noticeable in Germany, which is the largest sales market for this product. The increasing demand is a result of the growing water treatment and its chemical processing, applications in agrochemical production, and watersports facilities. When producing salt tablets in Germany, CIECH focuses on innovative technologies, such as automated tools and top-notch production equipment, achieving a production capacity of up to 180,000 salt tablets per hour. Salt tablets, made from CIECH's own raw materials with a purity of 99.9% sodium chloride, ensure the highest water quality and optimal plant protection. Additionally, the product is distributed in LDPE packaging, suitable for recycling, in line with the idea of sustainable development and the obligations of the Group's ambitious ESG strategy.

Plans

In the future, the Group's German company plans to diversify its portfolio by introducing new proprietary brands across various segments. This expansion will encompass the agricultural sector, with a particular focus on introducing its own line of feed salt products. Also, CIECH intends to increase its presence in the table salt market. In June of this year, a strategic partnership with the global Cargill group was announced, which involved the inclusion of CIECH's table salt in Cargill's overall European product portfolio. CIECH, through continuous investments in innovative technologies and sustainable management, consistently continues its growth path in the salt industry. The group also plays a significant role in the economic development of the Saxony-Anhalt region, serving as a stable and employee-friendly employer.

Żaneta Przybylska, CIECH Group's PR Department

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CIECH is an international developing chemical group with a strong position on global markets. It is the second largest manufacturer of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate in the European Union, the largest manufacturer of evaporated salt in Poland, the largest supplier of sodium silicates in Europe, the largest Polish manufacturer of plant protection products, and a leading producer of polyurethane foams in Poland. Its factories are located in Poland, Germany and Romania, and it employs over 3,000 people throughout the EU.

Since 2005, CIECH S.A. has been listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, and since 2016, simultaneously, on one of the largest stock exchanges in Europe - Börse Frankfurt. The development of the Group is supported by its strategic investor - Kulczyk Investments.

As one of the largest Polish exporters, CIECH ships its goods to almost each continent. They are used to manufacture products necessary in the everyday life of millions of people around the world. That is why the Group is a crucial element of numerous sectors of the economy - construction, automotive, agriculture, chemical, food and pharmaceutical industries.

CIECH combines a modern business approach and care for sustainable development. Since 2020, it has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact - the world's largest initiative that brings together socially, environmentally, and economically responsible businesses.

More information about the CIECH Group can be found at www.ciechgroup.com.