Arkema to close Spanish R32 plant

SPAIN: French refrigerant manufacturer Arkema is to close its loss-making HFC plant in Zaramillo, Spain.

The Zaramillo site, which manufactures R32 and blend component R143a under the Forane brand, is said to have struggled to compete with producers in China and the USA. In addition, European regulations are requiring investments for additional compliance standards as of 2015 for a site that Arkema says is undersized and loss-making.

It is proposed that the site will be close by the end of this year with the loss of 59 jobs.

R32 is one of two components that make up the blend refrigerant R410A and is also the proposed new low GWP refrigerant for solo use in smaller air conditioning systems. Since 2007, R32 has also been produced in significant quantities at the company’s $45m plant in Calvert City, Kentucky.

R143a is a key component in R404A, R507A and R22 service blends.

In addition to Calvert City, Arkema has plants at Pierre-Bénite in France, and Changshu in China.