Finland-based formic acid and derivatives producer Kemira is to invest €10 million at its Oulu base. Kemira's total production capacity will be increased by 25,000 tons per annum to over 100,000. The expansion will take place in the present formic acid units and will involve technological improvements and energy savings. The new capacity will come on-stream by the end of 2007.

The main markets of formic acid are the leather, textile, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and agriculture industries. In addition to Oulu, the company also has production sites in Tiel, the Netherlands and in Barcelona, Spain.