Publisher: Mulhouse/South-Alsace – January 4, 2023
It is the oldest chemical plant in the world still in operation. Tronox is two centuries of history and world leadership in the production of titanium dioxide. A company 6,500 strong worldwide, including 240 at the Thann headquarters. A site with multiple functions that owes its longevity to innovation.
With 6,500 employees worldwide, spread across six continents, Tronox is the world’s second largest producer of titanium dioxide. The company bought the Thann site from Cristal in May 2019. But the history of the Alsatian site is much older. The laying of its first stone dates back to 1808, during the golden age of the textile industry. The local market therefore needed acid. Thus began the production of titanium dioxide in 1922 in Thann. The Upper Rhine plant stands out for being the first in the world to produce titanium dioxide. Since then, Tronox has developed cutting-edge technology and put a lot of time and effort into innovation. The Thannois company now has a production capacity of over 30,000 tons per year and exports 80%.
A special, flexible, agile and innovative plant
Titanium dioxide has many properties. It has historically been used in a multitude of fields as a white pigment, both in paints and paper, not to mention plastics. The Thann site owes its two centuries of existence to its constant questioning and taste for innovation. A specialist establishment, the Thann site owes this longevity to its agility in developing new products and diversifying its outlets. ” Our 30,000 tons of titanium dioxide are nothing compared to the 100,000 tons that are produced at other sites in the group. “, emphasizes Emmanuel Sibileau. The Thann plant is distinguished by the diversity of products it is able to offer. More than 40 can in fact come out of its two manufacturing processes. Reinventing yourself is part of the company’s DNA.
World leader in environmental catalysis
Since October 2020, the R&D activity has been transferred to Thann, from the United States. A transfer to respond precisely to the innovative projects of the site. Thirteen researchers from around the world were recruited and investments were made in the acquisition of new analytical equipment and in the development of research instruments. Today, Thann is the world leader in environmental catalysis through its titanium dioxide. A product that improves air quality by eliminating more than 20 million tons of nitrogen oxide released into the atmosphere over the past 25 years. New applications are being developed: in the production of photovoltaic panels and in energy storage for the electrification of means of transport, for example.
“Tronox’s greatest asset is its people”
Each year, Tronox invests several million euros for its Thann site. These regular investments improve the competitiveness of the site and the retention of local jobs. 240 people work on the site. One third of its employees live within 5km of the area.
A company operating a strong diversity and inclusion programme. ” We have employees from all cultures, from all continents. We are committed to reflecting this diversity within our units. Another concern is that of the place of women. 12% of the factory workforce is female. The bar is set at 18% for 2025. Finally, the Thannois site is preparing for the future with an important apprenticeship programme.
« Tronox’s greatest asset is its people. We integrate and train 12 to 15 apprentices within our walls. »
“To be forgotten by the community”
Located in the heart of the city, Tronox is well rooted in the local economic fabric and employs a hundred external partners. ” Our first responsibility is to make ourselves forgotten by the community by reducing risks and noise pollution as much as possible. “, emphasizes Emmanuel Sibileau. Tronox, for example, now has its own hives. ” Some of our employees are passionate about beekeeping. And our bees, we use them as tracers of our environmental impact on the 27 km2 they cover.t. It is with this concern for community integration and sustainable development that Tronox aims for carbon neutrality within 10 years.
Emilia Jaffrate
