The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology

K+S increases capacity

(Posted on 31/07/19)

With the commissioning of a new facility at the Wintershall site of the Werra plant, K+S is now capable of producing significantly larger quantities of the magnesium sulphate anhydrous specialty product, which is in high demand. Over the past three years, K+S has invested about € 34 million in the new facility. Production capacity will therefore increase by considerably more than half which enables K+S to further expand its important market position for this product in Europe. This measure supports the Shaping 2030 strategy, which includes the further expansion of the specialties business.

Magnesium sulphate anhydrous is a product for numerous applications: In the Industry customer segment, for example, the pulp industry requires this product for stabilizing fibers and for bleaching. Customers in Agriculture use it in fertigation (= use of fertilizers in irrigation systems) and as a granulation aid for compound fertilizers amongst others.

"With the significantly higher product availability, we will now be in a much better position to meet the customer needs in Industry and Agriculture and win new customers," says Alexa Hergenröther, CEO of K+S's Operating Unit Europe+. "In addition, we are strengthening our portfolio of high-quality specialty products with the enhanced supply.”

The new facility will not only produce magnesium sulfate anhydrous but also the animal feed product KaSa Mag 98.

By optimizing production processes and applying internal know-how, the new facility will produce significantly less wastewater and reduce the required amount of freshwater compared to the previous facility.

K+S is a customer-focused, independent minerals company for the Agriculture, Industry, Consumers, and Communities segments and wants to grow the EBITDA to € 3 billion by 2030.