SNF, World leader in polyacrylamides and water-soluble polymers used for water treatment, will install a new factory in Gravelines, at the western port of Dunkirk: The "result of more than a year of work and discussions with investors and partners” - according to Mayor Patrice Vergriete, who welcomed the news on the site of the urban community of Dunkirk and on Twitter.
In a statement, SNF explained that "having a site close to a port makes it possible to realise a significant reduction in the transport costs of its finished products, and its raw materials". In addition to the initial project costing 60 million Euros, the company is talking of a planned investment in its second phase, ”within the range of 50 to 100 million euros". Work may only commence as soon as the operating permit has been issued, either by mid-2019 at its earliest, or it being ready for use by 2021. "The number of permanent jobs created will be directly linked to the investments made. 'a little over one job per million invested' says CEO Pascal Rémy.
SNF is a company specialised in water chemistry, as well as hydrocarbons and minerals. It has 6000 employees worldwide, 1300 in France, with a revenue of 2.5 billion euros over 2017.