This investment will increase production capacity by over 50% per year, the company said, to help “meet the growing demand for its electrode and water technology products in China and throughout the Asia/Pacific region.”
The expansion includes a new assembly area for the production of De Nora’s major water technologies applications, including ballast water treatment and seawater electrochlorination systems.
CEO Paolo Dellachà, said: “Not only is our expansion and upgrade tapping into China’s thriving manufacturing industry, it is also proof of our continuous efforts to deliver from our Suzhou plant high quality products to customers across Asia.”
Danilo Parini, regional chief officer Asia, added: “China plays a strategic role for our business in Asia, with manufacturing facilities here in Suzhou, as well as Jinan. This investment will see us improve the current capacity at our Suzhou plant, ensuring we continue to meet best practice manufacturing standards across our electrochemical and water technologies applications.”
In addition, De Nora has appointed Dr Stelios Kyriacou, formerly Wärtsilä’s ballast specialist, to the role of general manager of the proprietary BALPURE BWMS business unit.
Dr Kyriacou has joined De Nora Water Technologies from Wärtsilä, where he managed the research, development, design and certification of the full Wärtsilä BWMS range. He previously undertook the same role at Hamworthy from 2009 until its acquisition by Wärtsilä and held roles at Hatlapa Marine Equipment.
He has also used his expertise in the IMO’s Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) Ballast Water Working Group, IMarEST Ballast Water Expert Group and to UK Government and European committees on maritime strategy, innovation and regulation.
He explained; "The next year holds significant challenges and opportunities for the ballast water market. We anticipate that order books will begin to fill up for retrofit installation dates between 2019 and 2022. It is exciting to enter this next phase with an organisation that has the scale, expertise and partnerships to position itself at the forefront of ballast water treatment for large vessels."
Don Stephen, De Nora Water Technologies UK managing director, added: “The addition of Dr Kyriacou to our team comes at a very exciting time for De Nora. We have just completed our US Coast Guard testing ready for submission before the end of the year, and have announced significant expansion of our Chinese manufacturing centres for BWMS. These significant milestones demonstrate our commitment to the maritime sector and delivering the best possible solutions for our customers for the long-term.”