Optima Chemical has acquired manufacturing assets in Belle, West Virginia from The Chemours Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of DuPont.
 
Charles Hinnant, president of Charkit Chemical Corp. and its sister companies, Optima Chemical Co. and Arran Chemical, said  “The acquisition now gives Optima a second manufacturing site, gaining the additional capacity that has been needed for some time. Acquiring these assets means increased manufacturing capacities for Optima, helps facilitate Optima’s growth and further strengthens our manufacturing partnership with Chemours and DuPont.”
 
There are two chemical units within the newly acquired facility: one with FIFRA registration, allowing Optima to manufacture and offer agriculture intermediates immediately; and another that is not currently in use, which can provide capabilities similar to those available from Optima’s plant in Douglas, Georgia. The Belle facility features Hastelloy manufacturing equipment, bulk capabilities and rail and barge service.
 
Doug Cochran, Optima’s vice president of business development has been appointed to lead the startup integration with responsibility for this new Optima plant. Other key personnel may move from the Douglas facility to support the operation in Belle, WV.
 
Mr. Cochran said, “The acquisition situates Optima in the Kanawha Valley, known as an important area for chemical manufacturing. We conducted a careful evaluation of facilities, workforce, infrastructure, safety and environmental culture and local and state government relationships before making the transaction. After doing so, we are confident that the facility offers a unique set of capabilities and equipment that will allow Optima to better serve existing customers and to attract new customer looking for the capabilities we are now able to offer. ”