Sudarshan Chemical Industries Limited, through its European subsidiary Sudarshan Switzerland SLO AG, has signed a definitive Asset Sale and Transfer Agreement with Clariant Additives (Switzerland) AG to acquire an aluminium dyes and chemicals manufacturing plant in Muttenz, Switzerland. The transaction will give Sudarshan direct ownership of a facility that has manufactured its Aluminium Dyes portfolio for several years. The portfolio includes the Sanodal®, Sanodure®, Sanodye® and Anodal® brands.
Completion of the transaction is expected on or around January 4, 2027, subject to customary closing conditions. Aluminium Dyes are used to colour anodised aluminium and provide finished surfaces with colour and durability. They are used in products and components across industries including automotive, consumer electronics, packaging and industrial applications.
The Muttenz facility has specialised capabilities in organic intermediates and complex, multistep organic chemistry. The plant has manufactured the Aluminium Dyes portfolio for Sandoz, Clariant and Sudarshan over several decades. Under the transaction, Sudarshan will acquire identified assets of the facility, along with related records and operating capabilities. Existing permanent and agency-engaged employees are expected to continue working at the site. The acquisition follows the planned conclusion of the existing supply arrangement between Sudarshan and Clariant. Instead of moving the established manufacturing process to another location, Sudarshan has chosen to take direct ownership of the facility.
Rajesh Rathi, Chairman and Managing Director, Sudarshan Chemical Industries Limited, said the acquisition would give the company greater control over manufacturing capacity and product development. “We have depended on this site for years. Now we own it. That means we control the process and the capacity, and can plan the next generation of these products on our own timetable,” Mr Rathi said.
Dr Klaus-Dieter Baumgart, Global Chief Technology Officer, Sudarshan Chemical Industries Limited, and Managing Director, Sudarshan Germany Horizons GmbH, said retaining the facility’s expertise and workforce would be a priority. “The Muttenz site runs multistep organic chemistry that very few plants in the world can operate reliably. That capability sits with the people who operate it. Our priority is to keep both intact,” he said. Angela Cackovich, BU President, Adsorbents & Additives, Clariant International Ltd, said the transaction provides continuity for the facility and its employees.
Sudarshan Chemical Industries is a global provider of colour solutions and specialised pigments, serving customers in more than 120 countries. Headquartered in Pune and Frankfurt, the company operates manufacturing and R&D facilities across global markets and supplies organic, inorganic and pearlescent pigments for coatings, plastics, inks, cosmetics and other applications.
