Business model
Ercros is diversified into three divisions, each with its own business model, products and markets
Ercros' strategic objectives
Although each division has its own business model, defined according to the production processes and markets of the products in its portfolio, the three divisions share the following strategic objectives:
- To achieve an efficient, economically healthy and profitable chemical group, with a relevant international presence and with industrially integrated production facilities of European dimension and located in efficient sites.
- Offer high-performance products with greater comparative advantages and higher growth prospects.
- Perform good ESG (environmental, social and governance) practices in its organisation, processes and operations.
Ercros defines its strategy in multi-year plans. The 3D Plan, which covers the 2021-2029 period, is currently in force. This plan aims to transform Ercros into a sustainable company and is based on three dimensions: diversification, digitalisation and decarbonisation.
Chlorine derivatives division
Chlorine is the common link in the chlorine derivatives division. Chlorine, caustic soda and hydrogen are obtained simultaneously in the same production process, from sodium chloride (common salt) and electricity, in a ratio of 1 tonne of chlorine to 1.12 tonnes of soda and the equivalent of 28 kg of hydrogen. This assembly is known as an Electrolytic Chlorination Unit (ECU).
Most of the chlorine produced by Ercros is used to manufacture chlorine derivatives, the main one being PVC. Other derivatives are sodium hypochlorite, hydrochloric acid and swimming pool water treatment tablets.
The division's challenges are:
- Continue to make progress in reducing the carbon footprint of our products.
- Increase the weight of products with higher added value and with expanding markets.
- Diversify the division's portfolio with new products.
Intermediate chemicals division
Formaldehyde is the core product of the Intermediate chemicals division, being methanol its main raw material. Some 80 % of the formaldehyde produced is used to manufacture derivatives, both liquids and solids. Solid products (paraformaldehyde, polyols and moulding powders) account for about 65 % of the turnover of the business. These products are of higher added value than liquid products and have a wider global market.
The division's challenges are:
- Keep the commitment to the progressive decarbonisation of processes.
- Continue to increase the quality and service standard of products.
- Diversify the current portfolio.
The active pharmaceutical ingredients division
The Pharmaceuticals division focuses on the production of raw materials and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), mainly from the antibiotic family.
The pharmaceutical division specialises in biological manufacturing, but also produces chemical synthesis and sterile products.
The foreign market has an important weight in this division, accounting for over 90% of sales.
The division's challenges are:
To expand the product portfolio.
To respond to the quality requirements of customers and regulatory bodies.
To increase the competitiveness of our products.
