Croda: Yorkshire chemicals firm opens new manufacturing facility in India
Yorkshire-based chemicals firm Croda has announced that it has opened a new manufacturing facility in India.
The new site sits on the western coast of India, located in Dahej, in the state of Gujarat. Croda said the facility will support demand across Croda’s Consumer Care, Life Sciences and Industrial Specialties segments.
The firm said the move represented a “significant investment” in India, adding that the facility would strengthen its ability to serve fast-growing markets in Asia.
Speaking on the announcement, Steve Foots, group chief executive of Croda, said: “This investment in Dahej is a clear demonstration of Croda’s commitment to the Indian market. The site combines strong sustainability credentials with high safety and operational standards, positioning us to better serve customers in India and beyond.
“We see significant long-term growth potential in the region and this facility provides a strong platform to support that ambition.”
Croda added that the new site had been designed to significantly reduce scope one and two emissions by using renewable electricity and fuel sources.
Speaking on the announcement, Murali Duvvuri, Croda’s senior managing director, Life Sciences - Asia & Region India, added: “India is a strategically important market for Croda, and this investment brings us closer to our customers while strengthening local manufacturing capability.
“The Dahej site enables us to deliver high-quality, sustainable solutions with greater speed, reliability and flexibility, supporting our customers’ growth and innovation needs.”
Headquartered in Goole, Croda employs around 5,900 employees across 91 locations in 36 countries.
The announcement comes after February saw Croda announce better-than-expected profits as it set out new growth plans.
The firm posted an adjusted profit before tax for 2025 of £276.2m – above market expectations of £267.8m and higher than the £260m figure recorded for 2024.
Revenue was up by 4.4 per cent on 2024 as it increased from £1,628m to £1,699m, with EBITDA rising by 4.8 per cent to land at £396m.
It came as the company also announced a new three-year financial framework, projecting annual sales growth of between three and six per cent, as well as increased profitability, and higher cashflows, as well as an improved return on invested capital.
In a statement issued at the time, Mr Foots said: "Our efforts to drive more consistent growth and transform the business are beginning to deliver results and whilst there is much more to do.
“We are driving growth and transforming the Business to deliver consistent sales growth, enhanced profitability and increased cashflows.”