Trinidad firm acquires Petersburg bleach plant [Video]

A Trinidadian firm is buying the U.S. chemicals firm that owns the Bleachtech plant in Petersburg.

ANSA McAL Ltd. of Port of Spain said the $327 million purchase, which also includes Bleachtech’s Ohio plant, is the largest acquisition in its 143-year history.

The two Bleachtech plants produce sodium hypochlorite, usually known as bleach, as well as sodium hydroxide or caustic soda and hydrochloric acid.

Bleachtech employs 35 at its Petersburg plant.

The plant is in an industrial area in the southern part of the city, off Halifax Road.

Anthony N. Sabga III, chief executive of ANSA McAL, said he expects to expand Bleachtech’s business and plans to create new career opportunities at the firm almost immediately.

Bleachtech sells sodium hypochlorite, also called “hypo” or “bleach,” across the mid-Atlantic and Midwest, focusing on water treatment and wastewater plants.

It’s the same chemical that consumers use as laundry bleach, for swimming pool treatments and as a disinfectant cleaner.

ANSA McAL is …