Smooth integration of Haldor Topsoe’s DeNOx technology

Our acquisition of Haldor Topsoe’s heavy-duty diesel (HDD) and stationary catalyst businesses of the Danish company further enhanced Umicore’s leadership in products for clean mobility and clean air. The acquisition and integration processes demonstrated a very strong fit between the organizations as both businesses are technology-driven with a strong focus on sustainability and operational excellence.

Haldor Topsoe has a long history as a pioneer in catalysis and today the Danish company is a leading producer of high performance catalysts for a wide range of industries. As their focus shifted more to catalysis for the chemical industry, the company had been keen to find the right home for its heavy-duty diesel (HDD) and stationary catalyst activities.

Umicore’s acquisition on December 1 2017 of Haldor Topsoe’s and stationary catalyst businesses further enhanced our leadership in products for clean mobility and clean air.

The heavy-duty diesel catalysts are used in emission systems for on-road and non-road applications and ensure compliance with the most stringent emission norms, including Euro VI. This acquisition gave Umicore access to an extended customer base, particularly in Europe and China, a broader product portfolio and additional IP and unique technology in the field of emission control catalysis. The global HDD market is set to grow annually by more than 10% per year in the coming years, with the main driver being more stringent emission norms in China.

"As a top player within automotive catalysts, Umicore is better suited to continue the development and marketing of the world-leading stationary and automotive DeNOx products we have developed." - Bjerne Clausen Chief Executive Officer, Haldor Topsoe

The stationary business offers catalytic solutions to treat nitrogen oxide emissions from industrial sources such as gas-fired power plants, boats and ships. The technology is similar to that used for HDD applications, making this a highly attractive and complementary first step into these segments.

The HDD business operates from production sites in Frederikssund (Denmark), Tianjin (China) and Santa Catarina (Brazil) and has R&D facilities in Lyngby (Denmark). Stationary catalysis production is located in Houston (USA).

The acquisition and integration processes demonstrated a very strong fit between the organisations as both businesses are technology-driven with a strong focus on sustainability and operational excellence. The acquisition process was driven by a dedicated integration team and included a roadshow to the five Haldor Topsoe locations by the Automotive Catalysts management team. This is being followed up by Umicore presentations to all 280 new colleagues.

“I am very impressed with the way we have been welcomed into the Umicore organization and was very happy to receive immediate support in the form of a highly experienced senior Umicore manager joining my team in Denmark” - Joakim Thøgersen Vice-President Stationary Catalysis, Umicore (former Haldor Topsoe employee)