Ineos Inovyn completes acquisition of Runcorn MCP and UK's last EDC plant

Ineos Inovyn has completed the acquisition of Vynova Runcorn Limited's 50% stake in Runcorn MCP Limited, together with the assets and employees of the ethylene dichloride (EDC) production facility at Runcorn in the UK. Vynova Runcorn went into administration in December 2025. The deal was announced in August 2026. The purchase price has not been disclosed.

Chlor-alkali operations and PVC feedstock production brought together
The acquisition gives Ineos Inovyn full ownership of Runcorn MCP, previously operated as a joint venture. It also brings EDC production into the company's existing chlor-alkali operations. EDC is a key feedstock in the production of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), which is used to manufacture polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The Runcorn facility is the UK's last remaining EDC plant. According to the law firm advising on the transaction, the deal will safeguard around 75 jobs.

Advert

Securing supplies of essential chemicals in the UK
The Runcorn site produces chlorine and caustic soda, among other chemicals, using membrane electrolysis. Ineos Inovyn says the site supplies around 98% of the chlorine used to treat drinking water in the UK. Chlor-alkali products are also widely used in food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and construction. Bringing the operations together is intended to help maintain supplies to downstream customers and support the site's continued operation.

Against the backdrop of the acquisition, Ineos Inovyn has highlighted the cost pressures facing the UK chemicals industry. The company is calling for lower energy costs, reduced CO₂-related and regulatory costs, and measures to protect domestic producers from international competition. Its announcement does not provide details of any planned investment or the EDC plant's production capacity.

Ineos Inovyn employs around 4,000 people across eight European countries, according to company figures. It reports annual turnover of approximately EUR 3 billion and annual commercial production volumes of around 9 million tonnes.

More information: www.ineos.com, www.vynova-group.com

Ineos Inovyn Limited (Ltd.), Runcorn, Cheshire, United Kingdom

back to news list