Wibax wants to build aluminum chloride factory

By Lennart Håkansson, North Sweden Business September 25, 2024
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The Piteå company Wibax is seeking permission to build a factory for aluminum chloride outside Skellefteå, a product that can purify water.

Jonas Wiklund
Jonas Wiklund, CEO of Wibax in Piteå. Photo: Lennart Håkansson
Wibax wants to build a plant for the production of aluminum chloride in connection with its terminals in Skelleftehamn. The investment is in the billions. Today, there are only two manufacturers of similar products in Sweden, both in the southern part of the country.Wibax currently manufactures and sells aluminum sulfate in solid form, which is used to purify drinking water.

“While aluminum sulfate is widely used in the process industry, aluminum chloride is bigger when it comes to wastewater treatment. An investment of this size would help Sweden become independent when it comes to water purification,” says Jonas Wiklund, CEO of Wibax Group.

According to Wibax, the new plant can contribute to the development of both the mining and battery industries.

“The production planned in Skellefteå is electricity-intensive. Being able to produce this up here with locally produced wind power and a significantly shorter shipping route makes a significant difference. In an uncertain world, we must ensure that we can supply Sweden securely over time,” says Jonas Wiklund.

Lennart Håkansson, North Sweden Business 

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