Tata Chemicals Arm TCEL to Invest ₹655 Crore in New UK Facility.

Tata Chemicals announced on Tuesday that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tata Chemicals Europe (TCEL), will invest 60 million euros (approximately ₹655 crore) to establish a new pharmaceutical-grade sodium bicarbonate plant in Northwich, UK. The plant, with a production capacity of 180,000 tonnes per annum, will triple TCEL's current production capacity of pharmaceutical-grade sodium bicarbonate in the UK.

Construction of the facility is expected to begin in 2025, with production slated to commence in 2027. The new plant will utilize a patented process that captures carbon dioxide from energy generation emissions, which will serve as a key raw material. This innovative approach aims to meet the increasing demand for high-quality sodium bicarbonate from pharmaceutical manufacturers, especially for use in medicines and hemodialysis.

As part of this investment, Tata Chemicals also revealed that the Board of TCEL had approved a plan to cease chemical production at its loss-making Lostock plant by the end of January 2025. This decision is subject to the completion of employee consultations as required by local law.

BS