The inauguration was part of the programme of the Norwegian trade delegation that is visiting India this week. Besides the Crown Prince, the delegation comprised Oil and Energy Minister Odd Roger Enoksen and Minister of Trade and Industry Dag Terje Andersen. Orkla's representatives included Board Chairman Stein Erik Hagen, Group President and CEO Dag J. Opedal and Executive Vice President Speciality Materials Ole Enger.

 

Elkem and Borregaard have had offices in India since 1987 and 1999 respectively. In 2005 their turnover totalled close to NOK 200 million. To some extent, the two companies have products targeting the same customer groups and they will therefore benefit from closer collaboration. The new company, Elkem Borregaard India, has a dedicated laboratory in Mumbai that focuses on the concrete industry, to which both companies supply products. The new unit has 30 employees.

 

"By combining our operations in India, Elkem and Borregaard will be well positioned to exploit synergies and achieve faster growth in India," said Group President and CEO Dag J. Opedal at the inauguration of the new office.

 

Elkem currently sells alloys for foundry products, microsilica and carbon products in India, while Borregaard's main products in India are vanillin flavouring, lignin-based products and fine chemicals for a wide range of industrial applications.