Solenis invests in Guangxi plant to boost regional supply, sustainability, and support growing Asia-Pacific pulp and paper market demand.
Solenis has officially commenced construction of a new production facility in Beihai, located in Guangxi Province, China. This upcoming plant will have an annual production capacity of 60,000 tonnes and represents a substantial step forward in the company’s long-term growth strategy across the Asia-Pacific region.
The project involves an investment of approximately RMB 250 million (around USD 35 million), underlining Solenis’ commitment to strengthening its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing pulp and paper markets. The facility is scheduled to begin operations in the second quarter of 2027 and will manufacture a wide range of essential materials used in papermaking. These include polymers, defoamers, silica, and other functional and process chemicals designed to support the evolving demands of the regional paper industry.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by key leaders from Solenis, including Avin Krishnan, Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain for Eurasia, and Ted Kelly, Vice President and General Manager of Consumer Solutions across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. They were joined by company representatives, local business leaders, partners, and customers, marking the beginning of construction with a celebratory event.
According to Krishnan, the establishment of this new production base highlights Solenis’ long-term dedication to the region. He emphasized that the investment not only positions the company closer to its customers but also enhances its ability to deliver high-quality, dependable solutions. These solutions are aimed at helping customers expand their operations while simultaneously achieving sustainability objectives, which are increasingly important in the industry.
The Beihai plant is strategically significant as it will become Solenis’ second-largest facility in the Asia-Pacific region, following its existing site in Zhuhai. Notably, it is also the first large-scale investment by a U.S.-based papermaking chemicals company in Guangxi, a region recognized as China’s largest hub for pulp and paper production.
Guangxi has experienced rapid growth in pulp and paper manufacturing capacity in recent years, making it an ideal location for this investment. By setting up production locally, Solenis aims to reduce the physical distance between its manufacturing operations and its customers. This move is expected to lower carbon emissions associated with transportation, improve service efficiency, and enable faster response times for clients across Western China and Southeast Asia.
Additionally, the facility will localize the production of advanced chemical products, reducing reliance on imports and mitigating supply chain risks. This localized approach is intended to help paper manufacturers operate more efficiently by saving energy and resources, thereby fostering mutual growth and long-term collaboration between Solenis and its customers.
The Beihai plant will also play a key role in enhancing Solenis’ supply chain resilience. Alongside its existing facilities in Zhuhai and Shanghai, it will form a three-site production network designed to strengthen sustainability capabilities and ensure a more robust and flexible supply chain across the region.
Beyond business benefits, the project aligns with China’s Western Region Development Strategy. It is expected to contribute positively to the local economy by generating employment opportunities, increasing tax revenues, and supporting industrial advancement in Guangxi. Overall, the investment reflects Solenis’ broader vision of combining economic growth with environmental responsibility and regional development.
