Soda ash producer Brunner Mond is investing around £18m to slash its energy costs & boost its green credentials. The Cheshire-based firm said it expects the 2y programme, which involves modifying manufacturing processes, will reduce its energy bills by around 15%. This follows the completion of a new £10m sodium bicarbonate plant at the site, scheduled to open April, creating 15 jobs. Brunner Mond has been manufacturing soda ashsodium carbonate & sodium bicarbonate since 1873. Turnover this financial year is expected to be £150m & the Northwich-based group employs 450 staff. The UK's biggest producer, it creates 925,000/tpa of sodium carbonate for use in the glass & chemicals industries & in detergents. Sodium bicarbonate is used in sectors including food, agriculture & medical, & in flue gas treatments which, according to CE John Kerrigan, is a growth industry.
