UK chemicals group INEOS announced on November 3 that its subsidiary INEOS Inovyn had completed the acquisition of the country's last remaining ethylene dichloride (EDC) production asset to prevent the facility's closure. The transaction closed on October 30 and includes Vynova Runcorn Limited's remaining 50% shareholding in Runcorn MCP Limited, together with the associated production assets and employees.
The deal follows Vynova Runcorn's entry into administration in 2025. With the remaining equity interest acquired, the EDC operation is now fully integrated into INEOS Inovyn's business. The acquisition brings EDC and local chlor-alkali production under the same ownership.
EDC is a key intermediate used to manufacture vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), the principal raw material for polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The Runcorn industrial complex also plays a major role in the UK's chlor-alkali industry, supplying chemicals used in drinking water treatment, food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and construction materials.
INEOS Inovyn CEO Stephen Dossett said securing the country's last remaining EDC asset was an important step in preventing its closure. He also called on the UK government to address high industrial energy prices, carbon and compliance costs and trade protection for domestic chemical producers.
According to INEOS, the Runcorn site supplies approximately 98% of the chlorine used in UK drinking water treatment. Financial terms, the number of employees transferred and the facility's annual EDC capacity were not disclosed in the November 3 announcement.
