WILMINGTON – Chemours has announced that it will enter into an agreement with PCC GulfChem allowing the German manufacturer to build a $540 million plant next door to its own titanium dioxide site in Mississippi.
Built in 1979 in DeLisle, Miss., Chemours’s Titanium Technologies plant is one of the world’s largest producers of titanium dioxide, a pigment in architectural and vehicle coatings to ensure a bright color that lasts for a long period of time. The site is 2,600 acres, though a little less than half of that is a certified wildlife habitat that overlooks the Gulf Coast.
Through the agreement, PCCGulfChem will build a facility on the footprint of the Chemours DeLisle Plant to develop chemical feedstocks and specialty chemicals, silicon and silicon derivatives. At least 84 jobs will be created through PCCGulfChem’s operations, according to the Clarion Ledger.
Construction is expected to begin in 2026 with the facility planned to be open by 2028.
PCCGulfChem is a subsidiary of PCC SE, headquartered in Germany and is a manufacturer of chemical feed stocks and specialty chemicals, silicon and silicon derivatives.
In this project, PCCGulfChem is projected to produce 340,000 metric tons of caustic soda, the co-product of chlorine, which will be sold to strategic partners like Chemours as well as on the open market. Mississippi and local governments are also working tax incentives for the project, according to press statements.
“Our partnership with Chemours exemplifies PCC Group’s commitment to grow in chemicals by building upon long-term relationships,” PCC SE CEO Peter Wenzel said in a prepared statement. “We are dedicated to using our decades-long experience to safely and responsibly extend our chemical business at this facility. We look forward to a successful collaboration with such a major, globally renowned player as Chemours, setting a benchmark in the industry while evaluating further opportunities in the region.”
Chemours President and CEO Denise Dignam said that the agreement is an important step in the company’s titanium division. In November, Dignam unveiled her vision for the chemical company moving forward called “Pathway to Thrive,” which includes cutting $250 million in costs and growing revenue by 5% per year.
“This new partnership, requiring no up-front financial commitment from Chemours, will enable us to lower our manufacturing costs and better serve our customers as their trusted [titanium dioxide] partner of choice,” Dignam said in a prepared statement. “It also reinforces our commitment to the Mississippi Gulf Coast community we have called home for nearly 45 years.”
In November, Dignam told investors that the titanium division was a strong example of productivity and lessons could be learned for other business segments.
