Patent expirations are creating opportunities in crop protection, while the speciality chemicals market as a whole enters choppy waters. Gregory DL Morris reports from Specialty & Agro Chemicals America

US speciality and custom chemical manufacturer has completed an upgrade of its pilot plant in Dalton, Georgia. In particular, the company has upgraded a 0.38 m3 stainless steel reactor, which produces hot oil and steam reactions up to 288ºC, placing it on a mezzanine off the floor and giving it new insulation. The entire plant has also had a pressure cleaning and general upgrading. Another reactor of the same size will be added as demand grows, according to CEO Keith Arnold.