Solvay's "Slimming Action": Soda Ash Production Capacity in Spain Slashed by 180,000 Tons, 77 Jobs to Go

Belgian chemical company Solvay announced on February 23 that it will make strategic adjustments to its soda ash production in Torrelavega, Spain, to enhance market competitiveness and address global supply-demand challenges. The company plans to reduce the plant's annual soda ash production capacity from 600,000 tons to 420,000 tons in the third quarter of 2026, following the necessary employee consultation procedures. Its sodium bicarbonate business will not be affected.

Solvay stated that this capacity optimization is a response to structural challenges in the global soda ash market, particularly against the backdrop of global oversupply and high energy and carbon emission costs in Europe. The Torrelavega plant will continue to serve regional markets and focus on high-end sodium bicarbonate products, leveraging its geographical advantages to maintain stable supply while ensuring overall customer demand through its global production network.

The company is also advancing a biomass project at the facility to reduce reliance on coal and lower carbon emissions, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening sustainable development in production processes. Solvay emphasized that soda ash remains a key basic raw material for the company, and it will continue to focus on production efficiency and sustainable development in the future.

Solvay expects that this capacity adjustment will result in approximately 77 job cuts. The company stated that it will work closely with employee representatives to provide appropriate social transition support, ensuring affected employees receive assistance.

Solvay management pointed out that this move will help the company maintain long-term competitiveness in the global soda ash market while ensuring production stability and sustainability.