Jordan Bromine completes phase I expansion

Jordan Bromine Company (JBC), a joint venture between Arab Potash Company and US-based Albemarle Holding Company, has announced the completion of the first phase of expansion project aimed at doubling bromine production capacity. Albemarle is a global leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of bromine, bromine derivatives and other specialty chemicals. The JBC located on the Dead Sea in Safi, Jordan, has successfully commissioned the first phase of its previously announced expansion project, said a company statement. This phase of the project doubles the site's bromine production capacity, it added. The second phase of the expansion will double the current capacity of key bromine derivatives, hydrobromic acid, calcium bromide, and sodium bromide, and is scheduled for commissioning in May 2013, said a top official.   "This investment further strengthens JBC's position as the world's low-cost bromine producer and allows us to continue providing our customers around the world with quality products that drive value in their processes," explained Luke Kissam, Albemarle CEO. "I congratulate the joint JBC and Albemarle team on the safe and successful start-up. The ingenuity of our teams working on the project allowed us to implement technology that doubles our bromine capacity while only increasing our water consumption by 8 per cent, with further decreases planned. This startup is proof of our commitment to safe and sustainable operations."   Jamal Al Sarayrah, the chairman of Arab Potash Company's board of directors, said the company was pleased with the progress on this significant capital expansion. "It further demonstrates JBC's operational capabilities and the commitment of Arab Potash Company and Albemarle to JBC maintaining its position as a leader in the global bromine market," he stated.  Al Sarayrah said the partners commenced construction of the existing facilities in 2001, and operations began in early 2003. Commenting on the move, Dr Hatem Al-Halawani, Jordan Minister of Trade and Industry, said, "We are pleased that an existing multi-national business is reinvesting in Jordan to further grow its business. This project is proof of Jordan's powerful economic potential and encourages new capital programs which mean more jobs and more prosperity for the region." Albemarle Corp, headquartered in Louisiana, is a top developer, manufacturer, and marketer of specialty chemicals for consumer electronics, petroleum refining, utilities, packaging, construction, automotive/transportation, pharma, crop protection, food-safety and custom chemistry services. It employs 4,000 people and serves customers in 100 countries. TradeArabia News