Entity

Kem One is a major European player in the vinyl sector, recognized as the second largest PVC producer in Europe. Headquartered in Lyon, France, the company operates seven industrial sites in France and one in Spain, with a workforce exceeding 1,500 employees. Kem One’s activities span the entire vinyl value chain, from salt extraction to the manufacture of PVC and derivative products, serving key sectors such as construction, automotive, packaging, healthcare, and water treatment. Over 80% of its production is exported, and the company reported a turnover of €1.1 billion in 2023.

Historical Lineage

Kem One’s heritage is rooted in nearly a century of expertise in chlorochemicals and over 70 years in vinyl products. Its lineage can be traced through several key milestones:

• 1853: Establishment of the Vallée de la Chimie industrial hub in Saint-Fons, France, now a major Kem One site.
• 1915-1966: Expansion with new production facilities in Saint-Auban, Fos-sur-Mer, Hernani (Spain), Lavéra, and Balan (France).
• 1970-1972: Development of the Vauvert salt extraction site, supporting soda and chlorine production, essential for vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) and PVC manufacture.
• 2004: Kem One’s current activities are integrated into Arkema’s Vinyl Products segment, following the reorganization of the Total group’s chemicals branch.
• 2012: Kem One is founded as an independent company after Arkema sells its vinyls business to the Klesch Group. The company becomes fully integrated into the vinyl sector, with its headquarters in Lyon.
• 2013: Kem One enters receivership due to financial challenges.
• 2014: French industrialist Alain de Krassny acquires Kem One and launches an ambitious investment and modernization plan.
• 2017-2019: The company modernizes its facilities, including the launch of a new membrane electrolysis unit and innovative PVC products.
• 2021: Kem One is sold to the US investment fund Apollo Global Management. The company also publishes its first Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report and launches sustainable PVC products.
• 2022-2024: Kem One celebrates its 10th anniversary, achieves record financial results, commissions a major ethylene storage tank, and introduces new sustainability initiatives, including the launch of the Kemaia product range and ISCC+ certification for all sites.

Recent Developments

Kem One is actively investing in sustainable innovation and green technologies:

• Electrolysis Plant Inauguration (2025): The company inaugurated a state-of-the-art electrolysis facility at Fos-sur-Mer, designed to optimize hydrogen production while minimizing carbon footprint. This aligns with Kem One’s strategy to expand in the green hydrogen market and contribute to Europe’s energy transition goals. The plant has been welcomed by stakeholders as a driver of local economic development and job creation.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Kem One has introduced hybrid barges to reduce CO₂ emissions from logistics, achieved ISCC+ certification at all sites, and launched bio-attributed and recycled PVC products. Its CSR strategy is deeply integrated into its operations, focusing on safety, environmental responsibility, and social engagement.
• Vision 2030: The company’s strategic plan aims to establish Kem One as a leader in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean, emphasizing high-quality industrial equipment, innovative manufacturing processes, and a commitment to continuous improvement.