SI Group completes expansion in Rio Claro, Brazil

SI Group, a leading global developer and manufacturer of chemical intermediates, specialty resins, and solutions announced the completion of its new, state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Rio Claro, Brazil.

The project includes a new formaldehyde plant; an expansion of the existing resin plant; and a new control room, tank farm, flammable shelter and warehouse. The facility is expected to bring another 80,000 metric tonnes of annual capacity in resin and formaldehyde production.

The new formaldehyde plant is equipped with world-class technology for high efficiency and reduced resource consumption, including:

• zero solid or liquid waste generation;
• reduced carbon emissions;
• more than 30% reduction of natural gas consumption;
• enhanced recycling and reuse of high-pressured steam;
• innovative emissions control system to remove pollutants, performing well below government limits; and
• high-performing automation and safety features for enhanced operator safety.

“The Rio Claro expansion represents best-in-class technologies and innovative process improvements, substantially improving energy use and sustainability at the site,” said João Paulo Porto, vice president of South America. “The significant investment at Rio Claro demonstrates our strong commitment to South America, and positions us to better serve our customers now, and well into the future.”

As a result of its more than USD20 million investment at Rio Claro, SI Group has consolidated all of its operations in Brazil, including Jundiai. The expansion supports the company’s Vision 2020 strategy—developing solutions that address global megatrends, such as environment, resource scarcity, mobility and changing demographics. These megatrends serve as guideposts for the company’s growth and expansion efforts.

SI Group operates 20 manufacturing facilities on five continents with more than USD1 billion in annual sales. It is a leading global developer and manufacturer of chemical intermediates, specialty resins, and solutions that are critical to the quality and performance of countless industrial and consumer goods. Founded in 1906 and headquartered in Schenectady, N.Y., U.S.A., SI Group is a family-owned company with more than 2,700 employees worldwide.