Solvay Specialty Polymers has agreed to sell its hydrofluoric acid plant at Porto Marghera, Italy, to Alkeemia, part of the Fluorsid Group. Solvay uses the hydrofluoric acid as a base chemical for the production of selected specialty polymers.

“The acquisition of the Porto Marghera plant, a European leader in the production of hydrofluoric acid, will grant our group additional growth opportunities in new markets and the possibility to expand our fluoro derivatives portfolio,” said Lorenzo Di Donato, Alkeemia’s managing director.

The transaction is expected to complete in the first half of 2018, subject to the usual closing conditions. Financial terms were not disclosed. All employees at the site will transfer to Alkeemia.

Solvay said the sale is in line with its strategy to focus on specialties where technology and innovation make the difference, to improve the sustainability of its production footprint.

Based in Cagliari, Sardinia, Fluorsid is a leading manufacturer of inorganic fluorochemicals for the aluminum industry.