Economy

Markets

Industries

Insights

Reports

Events

ChemChina adjusts mix for continued growth

By Zhi Hong (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-01-20 07:58

China National Chemical Corp (ChemChina), the country's leading chemical producer, plans to increase both sales and profit by 15 percent in 2009.

The targets follow revenues of over 120 billion yuan in 2008, said Ren Jianxin, chairman of ChemChina, when the company also invested in 46 major projects with total value of 12.31 billion yuan.

Related readings:  ChemChina focuses on technology improvement  ChemChina focuses on sustainable growth  ChemChina develops through acquisitions  ChemChina makes headway in waste water treatment

"ChemChina will focus on the development of new materials and specialty chemical products," said Ren, adding that it was in line with the development of the chemical industry in China.

"China is now the world's largest chemical producer. However, in the fields that require advanced technology we still lag far behind the Western countries," he said.

ChemChina has faced problems such as slowdown in sales growth and drop in profits since last October due to the global financial crisis, he said. As a response, this year will see "measures including further restructuring of product mix and making better use of resources".

ChemChina was established in 2004 through the restructuring of several enterprises under the former Ministry of Chemical Industry.

On the list of top 100 chemical enterprises in 2008 unveiled by the Internet Corporate Identity System (ICIS), the world's leading information provider for the chemical and oil industry, ChemChina ranked No 19 in global chemical companies.

Last year ChemChina was also listed as one of the top 500 Chinese enterprises by the National Bureau of Statistics of China, ranking 28. It is first in the industry for chemical materials and products.

Overseas M&A

Last October ChemChina completed a stake transfer with Blackstone Group, in which the US private equity paid $600 million for a 20 percent share in its subsidiary China National Bluestar Group Corp (Bluestar).

"The deal can help Bluestar improve its technology and management level, which will make the company more multinational," Ren said.

Overseas development has always been a key driver for ChemChina, the chairman noted. In 2006 Bluestar acquired French company Adisseo Group, a leading global animal nutrition feed firm specializing in producing methionine, vitamins and biological enzymes.

In the same year, Bluestar bought French company Rhodia's organic silicon business, including its patents, manufacturing equipment and distribution channels, as well as the company's sulfide business. The acquisition has upgraded Bluestar's organic silicon business, making it the third-largest producer in the world.

"Through mergers and acquisitions, we get larger markets, more advanced technology, as well as more talented people," said Ren.

Environmental protection

Ren is also leading ChemChina to be more eco-friendly. "Energy saving and emission reduction are our one top priority this year," he said.

The company's theme for this year is: "Zero Emission".

ChemChina has also taken part in several environmentally friendly projects. For example, it built the rainwater recycling system for the Bird's Nest.

The recycled water is used for washing the stadium, roads, and garages, flushing toilets and for air conditioners, as well as irrigating the land around the venue.

"China's chemical industry should pay increasing attention to energy and environmental issues in order to achieve healthier growth," Ren said.