BIGGEST-EVER CHINESE GREENFIELD INVESTMENT UNDERWAY IN PROVENCE

After many months of negotiations, Quechen Silicon Chemical has begun the final phase of its project to locate a production unit in Provence.

The signing of a letter of intent with the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille-Fos, Kem One and Provence Promotion reiterates the world’s 3rd-largest manufacturer of silica for “green” tires’ belief in the region’s attractiveness for the siting of its first chemicals plant in Europe. The region’s assets in terms of resources and infrastructure, plus the active engagement of all the local institutional and industrial stakeholders, all played a vital role.
After Weichai Power, Wiko, Petro-China and, more recently, MIF68, Chinese investors have thus renewed their faith in the region, with Quechen Silicon Chemical’s choice to focus solely on the Piicto port and industrial site at Fos-sur-Mer the latest addition. The anticipated move will translate into 130 direct jobs and create a significant potential for R&D as part of a shared vision for the environment.