THOR China Celebrates Opening of New BIT Plant

On Thursday 16 January 2025, THOR China hosted a celebration marking the official opening of its new Benzisothiazolinone (BIT) plant at its site in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China.

The plant is an important milestone for THOR China's competitive ambitions in the chemical market in Asia, and also in its adoption of innovation-driven green development.

BIT, a vital member of the isothiozolinone family of preservatives, plays a crucial role in shelf-life and supply chain stability of a diverse array of aqueous products. Recognising the importance of sustainability, THOR has pioneered an innovative process that recycles solvents used in BIT production. This breakthrough not only allows these solvents to be reused but also significantly reduces the carbon footprint and waste associated with the synthesis process. By embracing this eco-friendly approach, THOR is committed to promoting a greener future while ensuring the effective preservation of essential products.

David Hewitt, THOR Group CEO, attended the celebration, along with Dr Zheng Quinglin, COO of Asia Pacific and MD of THOR China. Dr Zheng spoke to colleagues, stating that the completion of the project not only demonstrated THOR's commitment to technological innovation and large-scale improvement in production capacity, but would greatly enhance THOR's ability to serve customers throughout the Asia-Pacific region and compete in the global market.

THOR China was also pleased to welcome Trevor Lewis, Deputy Director of the Department for Industrial Innovation, of the British Department of Trade and Industry for the ceremony, signifying a strengthening cooperation between China and the UK (where THOR Group is headquartered) in the chemical industry. Local government officials from Zhenjiang were also in attendance.