Finnish chemical company Kemira has announced it will spend around €60 million over the next two years to “significantly” increase production of high molecular weight emulsion polymers at Mobile, Alabama, USA. The polymers are primarily used in the oil and gas industry.

Kemira said the expansion will also allow it to modernize into bio-based acrylamide capabilities at the Mobile site. Acrylamide is a key monomer in producing polyacrylamide, which is used in flocculation for wastewater treatment, enhanced oil recovery, mineral processing and papermaking.

“For Kemira this investment is an important step towards the growth objectives outlined in our strategy. It also secures our position as a leading global polymer producer and demonstrates our continued commitment to the oil and gas industry,” said Pedro Materan, senior vice president, oil & gas.

Construction is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2019 with commercial operation scheduled for early 2021.

The project will create 20 new full-time positions at Mobile, which currently employs about 60 people.

Last month, Kemira agreed to form a joint venture with South Korean company Yongsan Chemicals to produce dry polyacrylamide and other chemicals used for retention and drainage in packaging and paper production, as well as in wastewater treatment and sludge dewatering.