INEOS diverts German-bound chemicals salt to de-ice UK roads
11 Jan 2010
Runcorn, UK – Chemicals maker INEOS is diverting thousands of tonnes of salt bound for industrial use in Germany to be used for de-icing in the UK. The company has announced that it is making an extra 12,000 tonnes of road salt available for local councils across Britain, in particular Pembrokeshire, Gloucester, Bradford, Sheffield and Fife.
The first 50 trucks left INEOS Runcorn salt distribution facility on 10 Jan and a further 50 trucks are scheduled to leave on 11 Jan. The company has also increased its salt production to maximum capacity and is now producing a further 3,000 tonnes of road salt destined for the areas that need it most.
“INEOS is aware of the salt shortages in the UK and the problems this is causing”, said Harry Deans, INEOS CEO. “12,000 tonnes of salt will not solve the de-icing problem but it should make a difference in the places most severely affected”.
In the medium term, INEOS is also considering introducing a grade of white pavement salt to help prevent pedestrians from slipping on snow and ice.
“There is no doubt that the severity of this winter took everyone by surprise. It has raised questions about both the size of the UK’s road salt reserve and the need to salt pavements. INEOS is more than willing to play its part in addressing both these issues,” added Deans.
