Carmeuse Overseas is pleased to announce that we have acquired, on the 31st of March 2021, the SOCHA lime plant in Tunisia, together with the financial support of UGFS North Africa.
SOCHA, now called Carmeuse Tunisia, will strengthen the Carmeuse Overseas export capacity, thanks to its strategic location in El Hamma, close to the port of Gabès and also serve the Tunisian, Algerian and Libyan markets.
Its main assets are a modern Maerz kiln and a SIC hydrator. Carmeuse Overseas will invest to bring the plant at its European standards. This revamping phase will last 6 months and our ambition is to restart the kiln in the third quarter of 2021.
It should be noted that all management, executives and employees will be Tunisian nationals. Initially, Carmeuse Tunisia is expected to generate around 40 direct jobs and at least as many indirect jobs through its exporting activity.
Carmeuse Overseas would like to thank, together with UGFS, the following Tunisian partners that were vital for this project: the Tunisian Investment Authority, the Governorate of Gabès, the banks and other creditors of SOCHA, future subcontractor partners and the intermediate at the stock market, BMCE Capital. We would also like to thank the previous shareholders and leaders of the company for their efforts.
