MSSA doubles production capacity for sodium methylate in La Rochelle, France

MSSA, a global leader in the sodium and lithium metal market, today announced the expansion of its sodium methylate production unit at its La Rochelle site. The strategic investment will double MSSA's annual production capacity for sodium methylate from 20,000 tonnes to 40,000 tonnes, reinforcing the company's commitment to meeting the growing demand for sodium methylate from mercury-free processes. 

As part of the expansion project, a second production line will be added to MSSA’s sodium methylate production plant in La Rochelle, France, which it operates in a joint venture with SISP, an affiliate of port logistics service provider Groupe Sica Atlantique. The new production line will use the same mercury-free sodium metal-based production process as the existing line. Construction works will start by mid-2025 and the new production line is expected to be operational by mid-2026. The project represents an investment of several million euros and will further strengthen employment at MSSA’s La Rochelle site. 

Sodium methylate is primarily used as a catalyst in the production of biodiesel, as well as in fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals applications.

Due to regulatory requirements under the UN Minamata Convention on Mercury, the production of sodium methylate and other alcoholates using mercury-based processes must be phased out in the European Union by the end of 2027. In light of this regulation, MSSA’s capacity expansion will play a crucial role in ensuring the continuous supply of locally produced sodium methylate from mercury-free processes to the European market. 

"This significant expansion of our sodium methylate production unit underscores our dedication to providing our customers with sodium methylate from mercury-free processes produced in Europe," commented Dimitri Rimbert, President and CEO of MSSA. “The increased capacity will enable us to better serve our existing customers, capture new market opportunities, and strengthen our activities in La Rochelle.”

MSSA, part of the International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG), operates production facilities in Pomblière and La Rochelle, France. The company is the largest global and the only non-Chinese producer of purified sodium metal, special alkali metals (such as potassium and lithium), and associated chemicals. These products are used in essential applications such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, energy production and storage, as well as nuclear applications, making MSSA a vital player for Europe’s industrial sovereignty in several strategic and critical areas.