Ciba is capable of producing 6 000 tonnes each of liquid polymers and powders. Like its nearby competitor Ondeo Nalco, its raw materials (including acrylic acid and acrylamide) are imported and it derives its advantage from the freight cost savings in supplying the products in liquid form.

In late 1995, Ciba installed a powder plant and became the only manufacturer of such powders in the southern hemisphere. It is important to note that in so doing, while entering a faster growing sector, the freight advantage enjoyed by the liquid form, is less significant for this low bulk form. It is relevant to note that Nalco no longer produces powders, including in the US, and it is unlikely to face competition from another manufacturer in Australia.

In April 1997, Allied Colloids purchased Imdex Chemicals (from Imdex Ltd) for A$14.4 million and now operates as Ciba Specialty Chemicals.

More information about acrylic acid products in Western Australia.

Further information:

Ciba Specialty Chemicals

Lot 9 Leath Road

Kwinana 6167

Perth Western Australia

ph: 08 9437 8888