Omnia and Nalco announce water process JV
Posted on 29. Jan, 2010 by admin in News-Chemical
Protea Chemicals, a division of the Omnia Group based in South Africa and Nalco, the world’s leading water treatment and process improvement company based in Illinois, USA, today announced the formation of a joint venture, Nalco Africa, that will provide an extensive range of water and process treatment services to the African market.
Commenting on the joint venture, Omnia MD, Rod Humphris said: “This joint venture will enable Omnia to assist its clients to significantly reduce their environmental impact using Nalco’s industrial water and process treatment technologies. This partnership with the leading global water and process services company complements our existing chemicals business and demonstrates our continued commitment to growing our business through proactive management of South Africa’s scarce water resources in the critical area of water improvement.”
Nalco uses an award-winning, patented 3D TRASAR® cooling water automation technology to reduce industrial water use. Since its introduction in 2004 this technology has saved more than 596 million cubic meters of water worldwide.
The utilisation of Nalco’s Air Protection Technologies provides cost-effective, engineered solutions for the control of nitrogen and sulfur oxides (NOx /SOx), carbon monoxide, mercury and particulates. This technology helps companies to increase combustion efficiency and reduce energy costs.
These water and air technologies represent a small element of the extensive range of services and products which will be available under the new business, Nalco Africa. Services will include treatments for the mining sector; refinery and petrochemical sector; pulp and paper industry; food and beverage market and broader industrial water and effluent treatment applications.
Commenting on the joint venture, Erik Fyrwald, Nalco Chairman and CEO, said: “Africa is an important growth market and we believe that Nalco and Protea Chemicals are a perfect fit. The total accessible market in the region is estimated at more than US$400 million per year and is expected to grow significantly over the next 10 years. We will be in a unique position to combine our technologies and expertise to provide advanced products and services. This is a great opportunity to bring together our expertise and experience in the water, energy and air sectors, our global research facilities, and a well-respected partner who understands the needs of the industrial services market in Africa.”
The Boards of Directors of both companies have approved the joint venture, subject to meeting the necessary regulatory approvals and conditions, and it is expected to begin operating in the first quarter of 2010.