Fos-sur-Mer / Vauvert

Fos-sur-Mer/Vauvert entity comprises two production sites: Fos-sur-Mer (Bouches-du-Rhône), dedicated to the production of chlorine, caustic soda and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) from salt provided by the Vauvert site (Gard).

 From salt extraction to the production of VCM

vignette-site-vauvert

The Vauvert plant is located in a site covering 160 hectares, of which 52 hectares are planted with vineyards. Perfectly integrated into its environment, it does not produces neither aqueous or gaseous waste, nor any unpleasant smells or sounds.

It is dedicated to the extraction of rock salt which is then delivered in the form of brine, using brine ducts, to the KEM ONE sites at Fos-sur-Mer and Lavéra.

By electrolysing the salt, the Fos-sur-Mer plant produces chlorine, caustic soda and hydrogen. The chlorine produced is used on site to make vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), by reaction on ethylene. 

Around half of the VCM produced is then delivered to the KEM ONE site at Berre (Bouches-du-Rhône); the rest is sent by barge to the Saint-Fons site (Rhône) to be transformed into PVC.

330 EMPLOYEES at your service

All levels of qualifications are represented amongst the 330 skilled workers employed at the Fos-sur-Mer and Vauvert sites (from BEP ICTE to engineers), as well as a large variety of professions: manufacturing and dispatch operators, maintenance technicians (mechanics, electricians, etc.), chemists as well as administrative personnel, IT staff, accounting staff, security officers.

To guarantee its customers the best possible results, the Fos-sur-Mer plant prioritises the continuous development of all employees: every year 5% of their total payroll budget is allocated to on-going training.

 

Continuous quality improvement process

The KEM ONE site at Fos-sur-Mer is ISO 9001 certified, attesting to the consistent quality of its production. Like our all industrial sites, they are also committed to on-going quality improvement programs, in which progress plans are developed containing quantified objectives and concrete steps, the results of which are regularly assessed. 

Its control laboratory plays an important role in this area: in addition to the analysis of raw and production materials, it also contributes periodically to improvements in products, and procedures, in collaboration with the manufacturing services.

 

Safety always IN MIND

The safety of people and equipment is constantly monitored. Like all KEM ONE's locations, the management system in Fos-sur-Mer / Vauvert is externally audited according to SIES standards (International System for Safety Assessment). Its activities are also governed by a Technological risk prevention plan (PPRT), an Internal operations plan (POI) and an Individual intervention plan (PPI). More than 150 people are trained First Aid representatives and receive regular training at the CIREEX (International Centre for Resources, Study and Expertise).

The knowledge and practical skills of our staff are regularly updated. Safety exercises are regularly organised, either internally or in conjunction with the relevant public emergency organisations and services. 

Important ways to preserve the environment

The Fos-sur-Mer plant is always striving to minimise the impact of its activities on the environment. It monitors the quality of the surface and subterranean water, as well as effluent going back into the marine environment.

The site has two water treatment stations, which means they can treat the water from their activities before it goes back into the sea, as well as a large-capacity buffer tank to retain any rainwater that might be polluted. Gaseous waste is systematically treated before being expelled using adapted purification methods, such as distillation units and thermal treatments. 

The site is also committed to treating all of its waste using the best available techniques. Their equipment allows them to manage more than 90% of their hazardous industrial waste, the remainder being sent to companies specialising in removal or disposal. A sorting platform also ensures that non-hazardous waste can be separated and recycled, and used electronic products are sent on to companies responsible for their disposal.

Transparency inspiring trust

As part of a policy of openness and close community links implemented by KEM ONE, the Fos-sur-Mer site has maintained regular communication with the surrounding communities for a number of years. Plant visits, meetings with local residents and groups (Airfobep, Union of Chemical Industries (UIC), Chamber of Commerce and Industry, etc.), participation in professional exhibitions, organising events in partnership with educational groups. All create so many opportunities to promote better reciprocal knowledge and create sustainable trust.

 

ContactS

KEM ONE - Usine de Fos-sur-Mer
Carrefour du Caban - D268
BP 60111
13773 Fos-sur-Mer Cedex
FRANCE
To visit us

Tel: +33 (0)4 42 47 55 55

 

KEM ONE - Usine de Vauvert
Chemin des Salines
BP30
30600 Vauvert
FRANCE

Tel: +33 (0)4 66 73 16 16

 

KEM ONE - Site Pétrochimique de Berre
BP 14
13131 Berre l'Etang Cedex

Tel: + 33 (0)4 42 74 42 74

 

One establishment, two production sites Fos-sur-Mer (Bouches-du-Rhône) and Vauvert (Gard)
Employees 330, of whom 14 are at Vauvert
Activity Vauvert: extraction of rock salt (sodium chloride) in the form of brine. Fos-sur-Mer: production of chlorine, caustic soda and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) from salt provided by the Vauvert site
Annual production Vauvert: 1 million tons of sodium chloride in the form of brine
Fos-sur-Mer: 310,000 tons of chlorine; 430,000 tons of VCM
Site classification Seveso 2
Certifications ISO 9001 ; ISO 14001; OHSAS 18001