Tata Chemicals opens Sh10b soda ash plant

By Patrick Githinji

Soda Ash producer Tata Chemical Magadi Ltd has opened the country’s largest export manufacturing facility and Africa’s largest soda ash producer.

Speaking in Magadi, Tata Chemical Magadi CEO, Michael Odera, said the Sh10 billion plant would produce premium grade soda ash for the local as well as the export markets.

The plant, which has the capacity to produce 600,000 tonnes of soda ash annually, is the only inland producer of livestock and industrial salt.

"The $100million plant will produce premium grade soda ash for the local and the export markets. The official opening will also mark a 100th year celebration since inception. This plant will further boost our production capacity and meet international demand," Odera said.

The new plant was commissioned in 2007 and will be officially opened next month. Odera explained that the new plant was built to allow the firm tap into international market and become a strong global player.

Soda Ash is used in the manufacture of glass and is important in the production of detergent and industrial chemical.

Over 95 per cent of the product will be exported to South East Asia, India, Africa and Middle East through the port of Mombasa.