Chlorine production

The company Société d’Electro-Chimie takes over LA VOLTA, and sets up the first plant in France for the liquefaction of chlorine at Pomblière.

Sodium production by molten soda

The plant starts producing sodium metal by electrolysis of molten soda.

Sodium production by molten sodium chloride

Production of sodium metal by electrolysis of molten sodium chloride.

Purified sodium for the French nuclear industry

The first delivery of highly purified sodium is made to the French nuclear industry.

Merger with PUK group

Pechiney Ugine Kuhlmann (PUK) is formed as a result of the merger with Pechiney.

Superphenix contract

A contract is signed for the supply of sodium to the SUPERPHENIX fast-breeder reactor.

Monju

Métaux Spéciaux becomes the only sodium supplier for the Japanese fast breeder reactor in Monju.

MSSA S.A.

The Pomblière plant leaves Pechiney to become MSSA S.A., a subsidiary of International Alkaline S.A as a result of a Management Buy-Out carried out by the management with the backing of 3 financial shareholders.
ISO 9001 Certification.

Doubling of production capacity

The capacity for the electrolysis of sodium is doubled. MSSA, the only producer of sodium in Europe, becomes the world’s number one producer of sodium metal thanks to its technology, production capacity, output, product quality, logistic capacity and packaging portfolio.

Creation of the American subsidiary

Set-up of MSSA Company, the American subsidiary of MSSA, in charge of the sales and distribution of Métaux Spéciaux’s products in the United States. Start-up of a sodium logistic terminal in Texas and investment in a new sodium refining shop in Pomblière (SoPure).

Acquisition by Nisso

The Japanese Group Nippon Soda acquires Alkaline S.A.S. This industrial backing will allow MSSA Métaux Spéciaux and the Alkaline Group to continue its growth and innovation strategy with better opportunities.

Methylate plant at La Rochelle

Start of production at the plant at La Rochelle, with an innovative process developed by EnviroCat, a subsidiary 100% owned by Alkaline. This workshop produces sodium methylate for biodiesel and various applications in advanced chemistry. Its maximum capacity is 25,000 tons per year.