Eka Chemicals started its production of Pure Alkali as early as 1904, at the Bengtsfors plant. In 1924, the plant was moved to Bohus, where it still remains. Eka Chemicals has used today's basic technology for more than 50 years. We have sound experience of alkali production and unique documentation of product analyses. Over the years, the company has compiled a wealth of experience and know-how in product and manufacturing areas.

 

This has resulted in successive quality improvements, both as regards the manufacturing process and the end product.

Below are a few historical pictures, as well as some interesting tidbits, from the past 100 years of manufacturing.

 

 

  

Fun Facts About Pure Alkali
Over the years, alkali has been manufactured in many different forms.

Powder - was manufactured between 1904 and the 1970's. At times, powder was made by the grinding of flakes. This was the worst possible job at Eka. Staff members used to cover themselves up in whatever was at hand in order to escape the dust.

Flakes - manufactured between the 1930's and the middle of the 80's.

Bars- manufactured between the 1930's and the 70's. Long iron plates with crescent-shaped cut-outs were used. Two plates were put together, and the space was filled with alkaline melt. Once this had solidified the plates were removed manually, and the bars (shaped like christmas candles) were collected in boxes and sent away to be packed in glass jars. Every glass jar contained one pound. Under ideal circumstances, around 126 kg (277 pounds) were made in a single shift (8 hours).

Pellets - manufactured from 1904 to the present day. In the 1960's, the output was around 1 ton per shift. Today, more than 20 tons are made every day.


Odd Areas of Use:
Dehorning of cattle - the bars are used for this in the US and Denmark

Salt sticks - to create the glossy surface, alkali is used to attain the proper pH value (i.e., it is not present in the final product).

Infant formula - here, too, alkali is used to adjust the pH value. (It is not present in the final product in this case either).


Colorful Characters Among the Staff
One example of a colorful personality during the 70's and 80's was Sune "Fisherman" Hilmersson, who worked in the packaging hall. Manually, he packed pellets from the assembly line into kegs holding 50 kg each and sealed these. He worked with a phenomenal tempo – 1000 units a day! It is doubtful whether anyone else could have managed even half of this.

Thanks to Lars-Åke Hansson, who has worked at Eka Chemicals for more than 50 years, for assistance with these facts.