US company Valtris Specialty Chemicals is investing a “significant” sum to expand capacity for benzyl derivatives in Tessenderlo, Belgium, and Maastricht, the Netherlands. The expansions are expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2020.

Valtris acquired the plants from Ineos ChloroToluenes (ICT). The Independence, Ohio-headquartered group paid €111 million for both ICT and Ineos Baleycourt.

“Following the acquisition of Ineos ChloroToluenes in August last year, we have created a global business unit that builds on our existing benzyl chloride production at Bridgeport, New Jersey.  In order to meet growing market demand for chlorotoluene derivatives, we are pleased to show further commitment to this industry and our customers by investing for long-term growth,” said Valtris CEO Paul Angus.

Louise Calviou, vice president, global advanced organics at Valtris, added that the expansions further strengthen its position as a supplier, particularly for benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, benzoylchloride and ortho-chlorobenzylchloride.