NICL to invest $11mn for expansion, Hub relocation

According to Business Recorder, Nimir Industrial Chemicals Limited (NICL) has signed off on Rs3 billion in capital spending, roughly $11 million, across three projects. These include a new Palmitic Acid plant, an enlargement of its Chlorinated Paraffin Wax (CPW) and chlorine liquefaction facilities, and moving an oleochemicals unit to Hub in Balochistan. The chemical maker disclosed the decision in a filing with the PSX on Wednesday.

Palmitic Acid, used in animal nutrition for dairy cows, will open a fresh business segment, and further products are planned for that line. Demand for CPW has risen markedly since its localisation in Pakistan, and the company expects it to keep growing, so the CPW plant will be enlarged along with the chlorine plant that supplies its main raw material. NICL expects to start benefiting from the investment from fiscal year 2027-28 onwards.

NICL will also move one oleochemicals plant from Sheikhupura to Hub, a step the company says will strengthen its foothold in the southern region, back local demand and widen export options by sea. The company was incorporated in 1994 as Ravi Alkalis Limited, listed on the PSX in 1996, and makes oleochemicals, aerosols, chlor-alkali and personal and home care items.