The construction project in Russia of the future RusVinyl vinyl production unit (SolVin-Sibur 50/50 joint venture) marked a key stage on 12th July with the laying of the first stone. The official ceremony took place in the presence of Jean-Louis Plumecocq, CEO of RusVinyl,  Dimitry Konov, Chairman of Sibur, and a number of authorities and VIPs, including Yves Leterme, Prime Minister of Belgium. For SolVin and Solvay, the delegation consisted of representatives among whom Messrs Jourquin, Brouhns, van Rijckevorsel, Morici and Tucoulat.

This fully integrated factory, with an annual production capacity of 330 kt of PVC, will implement the latest advances in SolVin and Solvay technology, both in terms of the manufacturing of chlorine, EDC, VCM and PVC, and in environmental terms. This is the largest industrial project between Belgium and Russia in the last 25 years and is SolVin’s biggest investment.

The first piles were driven into the ground allocated for the factory (see photo) and construction work got underway quickly to make the most of the period before winter arrives. The first tons of PVC from this factory are expected by the autumn of 2013 and will go, first and foremost, to the Russian construction market for manufacturing windows and pipes.