Blackburn Chemicals Limited, a leading specialist in foam control solutions, has announced the opening of a new state-of-the-art facility in Blackburn, Lancashire. Representing a £14 million self-funded investment, the new site is now recognised as the most advanced powder defoamer chemical plant in the world.

The expansion is set to deliver a significant boost to the local economy through job creation and professional development, while also offering major benefits to the wider UK manufacturing sector. The facility is expected to drive a six-fold increase in production capacity, substantially enhancing the company’s ability to meet global demand.

With a workforce of 90 and sales teams operating across Europe and Asia, the expansion will allow Blackburn Chemicals to support local employment and invest further in the upskilling of existing staff. At full capacity, the new solar-powered plant – equipped with 545 solar panels generating approximately 400,000 kWh annually – will increase production from 2,000 tonnes to 7,000 tonnes per year.

The facility features a fully automated production system supported by on-site chemists, enabling faster time-to-market for new products and improved responsiveness to industry needs.

Founded in 1972 by George Lamb, the family-run business has grown over the past five decades into a major supplier across multiple industries. These include paper manufacturing, where it serves two of Europe’s largest paper mills, pulp processing, where it is the third-largest UK chemical exporter to Brazil, as well as food production, surface coatings, and construction chemicals. Over 80 percent of the company’s business is international.

John Covill, managing director of Blackburn Chemicals, commented:“We are a unique business, in that a lot of industries need our product. The expansion will enable us to significantly increase our output, serve our UK and global customers more efficiently, and respond faster to industry demands – all while being firmly rooted in Blackburn.”

He added:“I am incredibly proud to be a part of this level of investment and innovation. The expansion is not just about production capacity, it is about futureproofing our operations, supporting the local and national economy, and maintaining our position as a global leader in high-performance foam control solutions.”

For more information visit www.bbchem.co.uk