Four employees of AB Specialty Silicones were killed in a “massive explosion” and a subsequent fire that almost completely destroyed its facility in Waukegan, Illinois, about 80 km north of Chicago, on 3 May. The precise cause of the explosion was still unknown as SCM went to press but it is known that it took place in the building where silicone was produced and was accidental.
Industrial gases giant Air Liquide and semiconductor producer STMicroelectronics have announced plans to “engage in a collaborative initiative to accelerate the development of digital solutions for industrial applications”. ST is already a customer to Air Liquide for gas, materials and equipment at multiple sites.
Sustainable technology company Anellotech has confirmed significant progress in its Bio-TCat technology development programme and has begun planning for scale- up design and engineering of a commercial plant with its process development and design partner IFPEN and commercialisation, engineering and licensing partner, Axens.
