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Genencor launches hazardous chemical decontamination
FOCUS (DHC), and the Russian company TatChemicals. A single research centre at Frankfurt is to house all Degussa’s catalysis research activities. Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 8 Nov 2004, (275), 6 (in French) & European Chemical News, 8 Nov 2004, 81 (2123), 27 & China Chemical Reporter, 16 Nov 2004, 15 (32), 14
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big OEMs on the development of fuel cells. Catalysts and adsorbents are being developed for use in molten carbonate, proton exchange membrane, and solid oxide fuel cells. Chemical Week, 10 Nov 2004, 66 (37), 27-28
Precious mettle Cold shower for Dynamic Synthesis which is to be absorbed by Novasep On 20 Oct 2004 Dynamic Synthesis, formerly part of MG Technologies and taken over by Rockwood Specialities in mid-2004, discovered that Novasep had acquired a stake in its capital. The company (which makes a €200 M+ turnover) also learnt that it was to be absorbed by Novasep (€75 M turnover) with the support of Rockwood. Dynamic Synthesis will lose both its name and its management. In terms of organization, the group is expected to retain its umbrella structure and will add a fourth division specializing in chromatography. The first reactions to the news were mainly of surprise. Dynamic Synthesis is a classical fine chemicals company with 3 subsidiaries: Finorga (chiral chemistry), Dynamit Nobel (explosives and dangerous reactions) and Rohner (transition metal catalysis). Novasep is a chemicals supplier, delivering chromatographic materials (including simulated moving bed technology). It also carries out custom purification work for pharmaceutical laboratories. Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 2 Nov 2004, (274), 1 (in French)
Engelhard sees R&D as catalyst to success Engelhard has spent around 4% of sales on R&D in the last 6 years and is to continue at this level. The company’s distributed matrix structure zeolite has been one result of such efforts and has given rise to many new products over the last few years. The technology makes it possible to develop fluid catalytic cracking catalysts and additives that have improved stability, activity and yield. Other products from the technology have helped improve gasoline yields and helped refiners reduce sulfur levels in gasoline by 25-30%. Engelhard is also working with all the
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Engelhard has a portfolio of technologies and services that posted sales of $3.7 bn in 2003, a fall of 3% on 2002. Net profits, excluding exceptional items, were almost flat at $229 M. Emissions control catalysts, petroleum and chemical catalysts, pigments, and adsorbents were responsible for a little over $2 bn in sales and the largest proportion of profits. The remaining $1.7 bn of sales came from a unit that buys, refines, and stores precious metals that are used in many of the company’s catalysts. Engelhard’s R&D budget is $93 M (2003),or almost 5% of the company’s technology business sales. It is thanks to this that new products account for 20-30% of sales. Engelhard’s capital spending was $114 M in 2003. Chemical and Engineering News, 15 Nov 2004, 82 (46), 24-25
Engelhard catalyst prices increased Engelhard Industries has raised prices for its nickel-based oil and fat catalysts by 5% from 1 Oct 2004. Bleaching earth prices have increased by 7.5%. According to the company, price rises are due to strong world demand and higher raw material, energy and transport costs. Engelhard says that the increases will help support reinvestment. Oils and Fats International, Nov 2004, 20 (6), 4
Genencor launches hazardous chemical decontamination Genencor International Inc (Genencor) announced that its new line of decontamination enzymes to combat nerve gas agents and organophosphate-based pesticides is now available for sale. Genencor’s Defenz line of enzymes is being introduced to first responders during the second week of Nov 2004 at the FireRescue Conference and Expo in
Las Vegas, NV. Exclusively licensed from the US Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC), Defenz enzymes are capable of breaking down certain organophosphate-type materials including G-type nerve agents such as somain and sarin. In tests conducted by Genencor and ECBC, one gram of Defenz 120G enzyme decontaminated about 2 kg of G-type agents within 15 minutes of contact. Available in granule form, Defenz enzymes can be added to the water supply on an emergency vehicle enroute to or on the site of a chemical emergency. The enzyme is then applied through a typical existing foam nozzle or foaming equipment. Press release from: Genencor International Inc, 200, Meridian Centre Boulevard, Rochester, NY 14618-3916, USA. Tel: +1 585 256 5200. Fax: +1 585 256 6952. Website: http://www.genencor.com (11 Nov 2004)
New vibrant look unveiled at JM Catalysts The Polymers Business Unit of Johnson Matthey Catalysts has launched an eye-catching new logo for its VERTEC product range. The polymers business provides a broad range of speciality organic titanates to many parts of the polymer industry. The new VERTEC logo will enforce the key values of Johnson Matthey’s Polymer Catalysts Business and help position the company in new markets. Press release from: Johnson Matthey Catalysts, 2-4 Cockspur Street, Trafalgar Square, London SW1Y 5BQ, UK (Oct 2004)
PQ may sell itself PQ has delegated an investment bank to evaluate strategic options that may include selling the firm to investors. The company has sales exceeding €400 M/y producing silicates, zeolites, and other inorganic chemicals for use in paper, detergents, and other industries. It operates in the USA and Europe and has locations in Asia. It also purchased facilities in Tianjin, China. Speciality Chemicals, Oct 2004, 24 (9), 8
Synthetech reports 2Q 2004-2005 results Synthetech Inc announced financial
JANUARY 2005
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big OEMs on the development of fuel cells. Catalysts and adsorbents are being developed for use in molten carbonate, proton exchange membrane, and solid oxide fuel cells. Chemical Week, 10 Nov 2004, 66 (37), 27-28
Precious mettle Cold shower for Dynamic Synthesis which is to be absorbed by Novasep On 20 Oct 2004 Dynamic Synthesis, formerly part of MG Technologies and taken over by Rockwood Specialities in mid-2004, discovered that Novasep had acquired a stake in its capital. The company (which makes a €200 M+ turnover) also learnt that it was to be absorbed by Novasep (€75 M turnover) with the support of Rockwood. Dynamic Synthesis will lose both its name and its management. In terms of organization, the group is expected to retain its umbrella structure and will add a fourth division specializing in chromatography. The first reactions to the news were mainly of surprise. Dynamic Synthesis is a classical fine chemicals company with 3 subsidiaries: Finorga (chiral chemistry), Dynamit Nobel (explosives and dangerous reactions) and Rohner (transition metal catalysis). Novasep is a chemicals supplier, delivering chromatographic materials (including simulated moving bed technology). It also carries out custom purification work for pharmaceutical laboratories. Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 2 Nov 2004, (274), 1 (in French)
Engelhard sees R&D as catalyst to success Engelhard has spent around 4% of sales on R&D in the last 6 years and is to continue at this level. The company’s distributed matrix structure zeolite has been one result of such efforts and has given rise to many new products over the last few years. The technology makes it possible to develop fluid catalytic cracking catalysts and additives that have improved stability, activity and yield. Other products from the technology have helped improve gasoline yields and helped refiners reduce sulfur levels in gasoline by 25-30%. Engelhard is also working with all the
4
Engelhard has a portfolio of technologies and services that posted sales of $3.7 bn in 2003, a fall of 3% on 2002. Net profits, excluding exceptional items, were almost flat at $229 M. Emissions control catalysts, petroleum and chemical catalysts, pigments, and adsorbents were responsible for a little over $2 bn in sales and the largest proportion of profits. The remaining $1.7 bn of sales came from a unit that buys, refines, and stores precious metals that are used in many of the company’s catalysts. Engelhard’s R&D budget is $93 M (2003),or almost 5% of the company’s technology business sales. It is thanks to this that new products account for 20-30% of sales. Engelhard’s capital spending was $114 M in 2003. Chemical and Engineering News, 15 Nov 2004, 82 (46), 24-25
Engelhard catalyst prices increased Engelhard Industries has raised prices for its nickel-based oil and fat catalysts by 5% from 1 Oct 2004. Bleaching earth prices have increased by 7.5%. According to the company, price rises are due to strong world demand and higher raw material, energy and transport costs. Engelhard says that the increases will help support reinvestment. Oils and Fats International, Nov 2004, 20 (6), 4
Genencor launches hazardous chemical decontamination Genencor International Inc (Genencor) announced that its new line of decontamination enzymes to combat nerve gas agents and organophosphate-based pesticides is now available for sale. Genencor’s Defenz line of enzymes is being introduced to first responders during the second week of Nov 2004 at the FireRescue Conference and Expo in
Las Vegas, NV. Exclusively licensed from the US Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC), Defenz enzymes are capable of breaking down certain organophosphate-type materials including G-type nerve agents such as somain and sarin. In tests conducted by Genencor and ECBC, one gram of Defenz 120G enzyme decontaminated about 2 kg of G-type agents within 15 minutes of contact. Available in granule form, Defenz enzymes can be added to the water supply on an emergency vehicle enroute to or on the site of a chemical emergency. The enzyme is then applied through a typical existing foam nozzle or foaming equipment. Press release from: Genencor International Inc, 200, Meridian Centre Boulevard, Rochester, NY 14618-3916, USA. Tel: +1 585 256 5200. Fax: +1 585 256 6952. Website: http://www.genencor.com (11 Nov 2004)
New vibrant look unveiled at JM Catalysts The Polymers Business Unit of Johnson Matthey Catalysts has launched an eye-catching new logo for its VERTEC product range. The polymers business provides a broad range of speciality organic titanates to many parts of the polymer industry. The new VERTEC logo will enforce the key values of Johnson Matthey’s Polymer Catalysts Business and help position the company in new markets. Press release from: Johnson Matthey Catalysts, 2-4 Cockspur Street, Trafalgar Square, London SW1Y 5BQ, UK (Oct 2004)
PQ may sell itself PQ has delegated an investment bank to evaluate strategic options that may include selling the firm to investors. The company has sales exceeding €400 M/y producing silicates, zeolites, and other inorganic chemicals for use in paper, detergents, and other industries. It operates in the USA and Europe and has locations in Asia. It also purchased facilities in Tianjin, China. Speciality Chemicals, Oct 2004, 24 (9), 8
Synthetech reports 2Q 2004-2005 results Synthetech Inc announced financial
JANUARY 2005