Gujarat CM inaugurates India's largest Chlorotoluene plant at Dahej

On the foundation day of Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited (GACL), Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel virtually inaugurated India’s largest Chlorotoluene plant at Dahej, marking a significant milestone in the state’s chemical manufacturing sector. The announcement was made through a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on Saturday. The new facility, set up by GACL, a state-owned enterprise, will utilize chlorine to manufacture value-added chlorine-based products, including Benzyl Chloride, Benzyl Alcohol, and Benzaldehyde. This initiative aligns with Gujarat’s industrial expansion strategy and reinforces its leadership in the chemical manufacturing sector.
Built with an investment of Rs 350 crore, the plant has an annual production capacity of 30,000 tonnes and is expected to generate approximately 1,000 direct and indirect job opportunities. Furthermore, the facility is projected to contribute around Rs 130 crore in foreign exchange earnings through chemical exports to key markets in Europe, America, and South Asia. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Patel extended his congratulations to the GACL family and lauded the company's successful 50-year journey. He highlighted the role of the newly inaugurated plant in strengthening Gujarat’s position as a chemical manufacturing hub and advancing the state’s industrial self-reliance.
Providing further insights, GACL’s Executive Managing Director and Secretary to the Chief Minister, Avantika Singh, noted that GACL has been operational since 1973 and currently runs three production units—two in Dahej and one in Vadodara—producing over 35 chemical products, including caustic soda. Over the past five decades, the enterprise has significantly expanded its production capabilities and introduced new product lines. Notably, GACL is India’s only manufacturer of Sodium Chlorate and Hydrazine Hydrate, reinforcing its leadership in the domestic chemical industry.
The virtual inauguration event witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi, Chief Minister’s Advisor S. S. Rathore, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Manoj Kumar Das, Managing Director of Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) Praveena D.K., along with senior officials from GACL and the district administration. The establishment of this plant is expected to enhance Gujarat’s industrial ecosystem and contribute to India’s growing chemical exports, further solidifying its status as a major player in the global chemical manufacturing sector.

(State Correspondent)