Archean, India's top bromine and industrial salt exporter, is diversifying into bromine derivatives via Acume Chemicals, expanding bromine capacity to 42,500 TPA. The company is boosting salt production with a new washery and entering semiconductor manufacturing through SiCSem. ACIL's acquisition of Oren Hydrocarbons enhances its drilling fluids portfolio.

Established Player in Niche Bromine Chemistry

Archean is India's largest exporter of bromine and industrial salt. With brine sourced from its own reservoirs, the company benefits from significant cost advantages, making it one of the lowest-cost bromine producers globally.

Brownfield Expansion in Bromine and Industrial Salt

ACIL has increased bromine capacity from 10,000 TPA in FY20 over 42,500 TPA, including an additional ~14,000 TPA for bromine derivatives. The company is also adding a 250-ton/hour washery to boost industrial salt production.

Forward Integration into Bromine Derivatives

Phase 1 of the greenfield expansion at Jhagadia’s bromine derivative plant, managed by Acume Chemicals, was commissioned in March 2024 (1QFY25). Commercial production and sales of CBR and PTA are expected in FY25, with 33,000 TPA available for external sales. Phase 2, which will add 14,000 TPA for internal use, is scheduled for H1FY25 but is currently on hold due to the weak Chinese economy.

Acquisition of Oren Hydrocarbons

Oren Hydrocarbons, a leading drilling fluids manufacturer, enhances ACIL’s portfolio beyond CBR bromine derivatives. This acquisition is projected to drive significant growth by FY26, with revenues of ₹4.5 billion and an EBITDA margin of 30%.

Entry into Semiconductor Manufacturing

SiCSem Private Limited, a step-down subsidiary, has signed an MoA with IIT Bhubaneswar to research Compound Semiconductors, focusing on Silicon Carbide technology. SiCSem aims to serve markets such as EVs, solar inverters, fast chargers, and battery management systems.