Inovyn has appointed Netherlands-based KH Engineering as the key engineering, procurement, construction and management (EPCM) contractor for its potassium hydroxide (KOH) project at Antwerp/Lillo, Belgium.

The new plant, based on membrane technology, will produce 155,000 t/y of KOH as well as 100,000 t/y of chlorine. Jean-Michel Mesland, Inovyn’s operations director, said the project is on track to start production in late 2017.

The decision to build at Antwerp/Lillo was because of the site’s “highly competitive” location, said Inovyn. It is near the Port of Antwerp, facilitating KOH shipments, as well as imports of potassium chloride, a key raw material. I addition, Inovyn’s major chlorine customers are linked directly to the site by pipeline.

The company said the investment demonstrates its long-term commitment to the KOH market.