MSSA, a leading sodium and lithium metal producer based in Saint Marcel, France, and a subsidiary of the International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG), has announced an expansion of its sodium methylate production facility in La Rochelle, France. The project, revealed in 2025, will double the plant’s annual production capacity from 20,000 tons to 40,000 tons to meet rising demand for mercury-free sodium methylate.

The expansion involves adding a second production line at the La Rochelle facility, operated in collaboration with SISP, an affiliate of port logistics provider Groupe Sica Atlantique. This new line will utilize the same mercury-free, sodium metal-based production process as the existing line. Construction is set to begin in mid-2025, with operations expected to start by mid-2026. The multimillion-euro investment will also support job growth at the La Rochelle site.

Sodium methylate serves as a key catalyst in biodiesel production and is used in fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. The expansion aligns with the UN Minamata Convention on Mercury, which mandates phasing out mercury-based processes for sodium methylate and other alcoholates in the European Union by the end of 2027. MSSA’s increased capacity will ensure a steady supply of mercury-free sodium methylate for 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,” said 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, a major global producer of purified sodium metal and the only non-Chinese manufacturer of its kind, operates facilities in Pomblière and La Rochelle. Its products support critical industries, including pharmaceuticals, electronics, energy storage, and nuclear applications. The expansion reinforces MSSA’s role in supplying essential materials for Europe’s industrial needs while advancing sustainable production practices.

The project highlights MSSA’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility, positioning the company to meet growing market demands with high-quality, eco-friendly solutions. By scaling up its mercury-free production, MSSA aims to enhance its support for customers and contribute to the region’s economic and industrial development.