Dutch chemicals group DSM expands Valais facility

The global leader in vitamin development and manufacturing DSM has announced an investment of 55 million Swiss francs in its production facility in Lalden, Switzerland, on the northern edge of the Rhone valley. The construction of the new plant, which will consist of several buildings, is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of […]

The global leader in vitamin development and manufacturing DSM has announced an investment of 55 million Swiss francs in its production facility in Lalden, Switzerland, on the northern edge of the Rhone valley.

The construction of the new plant, which will consist of several buildings, is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2020. The extension will be operational as of January 2021. According to plant manager Rob de Hooge, this investment reflects DSM’s long-term commitment to the canton of Valais and its ambition to continue to play a key role in shaping the vitamins business in the future.

Competent and motivated workforce

Although relatively small, the Lalden site stands out for its consistently solid production performance and the expertise and motivation of its some 160 staff. It is conveniently located next to Swiss chemicals and biotech group Lonza, which is an important partner and supplier of raw material for DSM.

A long heritage

Established in 1902 by the Dutch government to mine coal reserves in the Southern Province of Limburg, DSM (acronym for Dutch State Mines) entered biotechnology at the end of the 20th century with the acquisition of Gist-brocades, followed by the acquisition of Roche Vitamins & Fine Chemicals in 2003. Today, the company is active in Nutrition, Health and Sustainable Living. In 2018, DSM achieved worldwide sales of around ten billion euros, and profit before depreciation and taxes amounted to one billion francs. Figures for the individual locations are not disclosed by the group, which also has other production facilities in Switzerland in addition to the Lalden site.