Caustic Soda For Detergent

Rayon grade caustic soda is an important raw material in VSF production. To achieve a reliable and economical supply of this chemical, Grasim set up a rayon grade caustic soda unit at Nagda in 1972, with an initial capacity of 33,000 tpa. This has since grown to 258,000 tpa. The 182,500 TPA expansion at Vilayat was commissioned in May 2013 making it the largest player in India in Chlor Alkali with Caustic Soda capacity to 452,500 TPA.

It uses cost-effective membrane cell technology and is 100 per cent self-sufficient in power. For gainful utilisation of chlorine, the unit has expanded its operations with the production of Epoxy, stable bleaching powder (SBP) used in water purification, sanitation and as a bleaching agent; poly aluminium chloride (PAC) used in water treatment, paper sizing and effluent treatment; and chloro sulphonic acid, used in vinyl sulphate, the raw material for dyes and intermediates, saccharin, drugs and pharmaceuticals, etc.

In February, 2015, The Board of Directors of Grasim Industries Limited (Grasim) today approved the proposed merger of Aditya Birla Chemicals (India) Limited (ABCIL), an Aditya Birla Group Company with Grasim.

ABCIL is one of the leading Chlor-Alkali companies in India with three manufacturing plants located at Rehla (Jharkhand), Renukoot (U.P.) and Karwar (Karnataka) with an installed capacity of ~293,000 tons of caustic soda per annum and 110 MW of captive power plant. Post commissioning of Vilayat plant, Grasim is the leading producer of caustic soda in India with installed capaci ty ~ 453ktpa. Combined capacity ~804ktpa (incl. Jayshree - ~59ktpa, under acquisition)

The proposed merger will consolidate Aditya Birla Groups Chlor Alkali business into Grasim and strengthen its existing portfolio of viscose staple fibre, caustic soda and allied chemicals in Standalone company. The merger will enable the geographical diversification for Grasim through the addition of ABCILs manufacturing facilities spread across the country. It also enables the business to capitalize growth opportunities by bringing in operational and financial synergies, backed by Grasims strength. The consolidation is in line with Aditya Birla Groups philosophy to unify similar business in one company.