By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : July 08, 2025 7:53 am
The facility will manufacture 13,200 MTPA Benzyl Chloride, 9,600 MTPA Benzyl Alcohol, and 7,200 MTPA Benzaldehyde
Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited (GACL), one of India's leading chlor-alkali companies, marked a significant milestone on 5th July, 2025 by flagging of the first consignments of Benzyl Alcohol (BOH) and Benzaldehyde (BCHO) from its newly commissioned Chlorotoluenes plant at Dahej.
The flag-off ceremony was done by Avantika Singh, Managing Director, GACL, virtually in the presence of senior officials of GACL.
This achievement follows earlier milestones, the virtual inauguration of the plant by Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendrabhai Patel on March 29, 2025 and the first dispatch of Benzyl Chloride (BCL) on April 21, 2025.
GACL has established India's largest Chlorotoluenes plant with an installed capacity of 30,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA). This strategic initiative aims to enhance chlorine utilization, a co-product of caustic soda by converting it into high-value downstream chemicals.
The state-of-the-art facility will manufacture 13,200 MTPA Benzyl Chloride (BCL), 9,600 MTPA Benzyl Alcohol (BOH), and 7,200 MTPA Benzaldehyde (BCHO). These chemicals are crucial raw materials for the pharmaceutical, perfumery, flavour, agrochemicals, dyes, and solvent industries.
Avantika Singh, stated that the plant uses toluene and chlorine as primary raw materials and embodies GACL's vision of integrated and sustainable chemical manufacturing. Once the plant operates at full capacity, it is projected to generate annual revenues of approximately Rs. 400 crores, including export earnings of Rs. 130 crores from markets in Europe, USA, and South Asia. The project will also create 150 - 200 direct jobs and 800 - 1,000 indirect employment opportunities, significantly contributing to the economic development of Gujarat and the country at large.
With this project, GACL reinforces its commitment to innovation, self-reliance and sustainable growth, further solidifying its position as a pioneer in India's chemical sector.