Vila-seca I

Spain's first chlorine production factory

A fully renovated factory

Chlorine, which is produced together with caustic soda, is the central product of the Vila-seca I plant. The total production capacity of this plant is almost 1 million tonnes per year. Part of the chlorine produced is used to manufacture inorganic derivatives (sodium hypochlorite and hydrochloric acid) at the same plant; another part is supplied to the Vila-seca II plant for the production of PVC; and a third part is sold by pipeline to an external customer.

Between 2015 and 2020, this factory undertook a major modernisation and expansion of its facilities, with an investment of over 60 million euros. As a result of these actions, it now has the largest electrolysis plant in Spain, with a capacity of 146,000 t/year of chlorine. Since the end of 2017, all production has been obtained using membrane cell technology, the most advanced and sustainable technology.

The workforce at Vila-seca I is made up of almost 150 people. This factory, together with those of Tarragona and Vila-seca II, make up the Tarragona industrial complex, which in turn is integrated into the Ercros chlorine derivatives division.

Photo of the Vila-seca I factory
Aerial view of the factory in Vila-seca I
Entrance to the Vila-seca factory I
Access to the facilities
Activity at the factory in Vila-seca I
Activity at the factory
Financial year 2023

In figures

The key figures of the Vila-seca I factory

151

Workforce

1,000,000 t

Annual production capacity

1st

Chlorine manufacturer in Spain

<62 M€

Invested between 2016 and 2021

17

Upgraded facilities

242,720 t/año

Salt consumed from tail dumps

2,500 m<sup>2</sup>

Electrolysis plant surface area

2,200 t/day

Products dispatched

A bit of history

Former mercury electrolysis plant
1970

Start of activity with the production of chlorine, caustic soda and its inorganic derivatives, under the ownership of Energía e Industrias Aragonesas, S.A. (Eiasa). The factory is a pioneer in the Tarragona industrial park.

Antiguas celdas de membrana de la planta de electrólisis de la fábrica de Vila-seca I
1992

Introduction of membrane technology for chlorine production, the most advanced and sustainable process.

Detalle de la planta de electrólisis de la fábrica de Vila-seca I
2002

Expansion of the capacity of membrane technology. Chlorine produced by membrane technology accounts for 30% of production.

Firma de la compra de Aragonesas en 2005
2005

On the occasion of the acquisition of the Aragonesas Group, the Vila-seca I factory is integrated into the Ercros chlorine derivatives division.

Construcción de la ampliación de la planta de electrólisis de la fábrica de Vila-seca I
2016

Start of a technological renewal programme. 17 facilities are upgraded or extended at a cost of over 60 million euros.

Antigua planta de electrólisis de mercurio de la fábrica de Vila-seca I
2017

The mercury electrolysis plant is shut down and the production capacity of the membrane plant is expanded.

Ampliación de la planta de electrólisis de la fábrica de Vila-seca I
2018-2020

Further increases in the capacity of the electrolysis plant and the start-up of two hydrochloric acid plants, one sodium hypochlorite plant, as well as other facilities and warehouses.

Certificates of the Vila-seca I factory

The distinctive marks endorse this factory's commitment to sustainability.

Contact the factory

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Address

Autovía Tarragona-Salou C-31 B, Km. 6
43480 Vila-seca (Tarragona)
Tel.:+34 977 370 354
Email: complejotarragona@ercros.es