Syensqo S.A., headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, has announced the reopening of its synthetic vanillin production unit in Saint-Fons, France, which had been mothballed since May 2024. The unit is scheduled to resume operations by the end of 2025, reflecting changes in market conditions and the company’s commitment to supporting European customers in the food, flavor, and fragrance sectors.

The unit was initially closed amid challenging market conditions, including inflation, declining demand, and heightened competition, particularly from Asian producers. Recent policy measures, such as the European Commission’s imposition of 131% anti-dumping duties, supported by the French government, and additional duties of at least 232% in the United States, have reshaped the competitive landscape, providing stronger support for regional producers. These developments have created a favorable context for Syensqo to restart operations at Saint-Fons.

Reopening the Saint-Fons unit allows Syensqo to reinforce its regional production capabilities and increase output to better meet European demand. The facility, which continues to produce natural vanillin and hydroquinone, will now resume synthetic vanillin production, adding to the company’s diversified manufacturing portfolio.

Syensqo maintains complementary production sites in Baton Rouge, USA, and Zhenjiang, China. Together with Saint-Fons, this regional manufacturing footprint ensures localized production across major markets, enhancing supply reliability and responsiveness to its global customer base. By strengthening local production in Europe, the company aims to assure continuity of supply and improve service for regional clients.

The reopening is also expected to generate around 25 new positions, contributing to local employment and supporting skills development in the region. This step underscores Syensqo’s commitment to balancing global operations with regional production strategies, ensuring efficient and resilient supply chains for critical ingredients in the flavor and fragrance industry.

Overall, the Saint-Fons unit’s return to operation reflects Syensqo’s strategic approach to adapting production to evolving market conditions, regulatory developments, and customer needs. By leveraging regional advantages and complementing its global manufacturing network, the company aims to deliver reliable, high-quality vanillin and related products to the European market and beyond.