SOLVAY QUIMICA S.L.

SOLVAY QUIMICA S.L. is the Spanish operating subsidiary of the international Solvay chemical group. The group's presence in Spain dates to 1904, when a plant was built in Torrelavega (Cantabria) to produce caustic soda and sodium carbonate. Today the Spanish entity directly employs around 300 people and operates a single work centre in Torrelavega. Its production in Spain focuses on sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate, essential chemicals used across consumer goods, automotive, energy, environment, construction, agriculture, electrical and electronics, and paper markets. The subsidiary is part of Solvay S.A., a Belgian-headquartered chemical company founded in 1863 by Ernest Solvay and his brother Alfred, which commercialised the ammonia-soda process. Solvay describes itself as a leader in Essential Chemistry, producing ingredients for glass, batteries, healthcare, food, electronics and clean energy. In 2025 the group reported approximately 8,400 employees, 43 production sites and 41 countries, with net sales of €4.3 billion. The Spanish entity carries the Solvay brand and operates under the group's sustainability, innovation and operational excellence commitments.

The Spanish subsidiary SOLVAY QUIMICA S.L. traces its origins to 1904, when the Solvay group built a factory in Torrelavega (Cantabria) for the production of caustic soda and sodium carbonate. This marked the beginning of Solvay's industrial presence in Spain. The parent group itself was founded in 1863 by Ernest Solvay and a small circle of relatives, including his brother Alfred, based on the ammonia-soda process. After early technical difficulties, Solvay expanded internationally, and by 1900, 95% of the world's soda ash was produced using the Solvay process. The group survived both World Wars and diversified from the early 1950s. In recent decades, Solvay underwent major transformations, including the divestment of its pharmaceutical pillar, the acquisition of Rhodia, and the spin-off of Syensqo. The Spanish entity continues to operate the Torrelavega site, producing sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate, and remains an integral part of the Solvay group's Essential Chemistry strategy.

• 2024

  Solvay completes spin-off of Syensqo, focusing on Essential Chemistry.

• 1904

  Solvay builds a factory in Torrelavega, Spain, for caustic soda and sodium carbonate production.

• 1900

  95% of world soda ash produced using the Solvay process.

• 1863

  Solvay group founded by Ernest Solvay and relatives, commercialising the ammonia-soda process.

Essential Chemistry leader within the Solvay group, committed to sustainable development, innovation and operational excellence.

• Sodium bicarbonate

  Produced in Spain; used in food, pharma, livestock feed and biogas.

• Sodium carbonate

  Produced in Spain; essential for glass, detergents and other industries.

1. 1Solvay España | Solvaysolvay.com
2. 2Our History - Overview | Solvaysolvay.com
3. 3About Solvay | Solvaysolvay.com
4. 4Brands | Solvaysolvay.com
5. 5SOLVAY QUIMICA S.L. - Wikidatawikidata.org