Following Galderma-Spirig's decision to close its Egerkingen site in September 2017, Omya International, based in the nearby municipality of Oftringen, will transfer research and development activities to the site. To this end, Omya is acquiring the property of Nestlé Skin Health, the parent company of Galderma-Spirig.
In addition to acquiring the plot, including all buildings and facilities,Omya intends to acquire Spirig Pharma's Cosmospheres division, which develops and manufactures high-quality cellulose additives for the cosmetics industry. Omya will offer continued employment to employees in this business area. In addition, the continued employment of building management and maintenance staff is under review.
Growth in Oftringen and Egerkingen
In recent years, Omya's head office in Oftringen has grown considerably and reached its capacity limits. With the transfer of research and development activities to Egerkingen, capacity constraints will be eliminated in the long term without additional construction, and premises will be made available for the company's other fast-growing activities.
The buildings at the Egerkingen site have a modern technical infrastructure, suitable for research and development activities without substantial structural intervention. The Cosmospheres division, which Omya intends to acquire, would complement and expand Omya's offering, which already includes raw materials for the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Ultimately, up to 350 full-time jobs will be based at the new site.
Omya
Omya is an international leader in the production of calcium carbonate and dolomite-based mineral fillers. It also has a worldwide presence in the distribution of specialty chemicals.
The company provides a wide range of product solutions that enhance the competitiveness and productivity of its customers in numerous sectors, including construction, graphics, engineering polymers, packaging, food, care and hygiene, maintenance, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, forestry, water and energy.
Founded in Switzerland in 1884, Omya today employs 8,000 people at more than 175 industrial sites in over 50 countries.
Committed to applying the principles of sustainable development at all levels of the company, Omya provides value-added products and services from responsibly managed resources, to meet the essential needs of present and future generations.
