ERCO Worldwide Announces Permanent Closure of Chlorate Operations at Hargrave,
Manitoba
December 16, 2025
ERCO Worldwide LP is announcing that it will be permanently shutting down sodium chlorate operations at its site in Hargrave, Manitoba, Canada following a catastrophic failure of the rectifier transformer on September 21, 2025. Sodium chlorate is primarily used as a bleaching agent in the production of pulp products.
The decision to permanently close the Hargrave sodium chlorate operations was difficult, yet necessary under the circumstances. It was driven by the significant reinvestment costs, and further supported by current market conditions, which have made continued operations unsustainable.
While the North American sodium chlorate market will continue to face challenges regarding capacity and supply, ERCO has a comprehensive strategy to address these significant challenges, ensuring the company is well positioned for the future. ERCO’s three remaining sodium chlorate manufacturing sites in North America are well positioned to deliver exceptional service and support to our customers.
We sincerely thank the Hargrave team for their professionalism and dedication to safety excellence throughout the plant's operation. The decision to permanently close the site only comes after extensive, careful consideration. ERCO’s corporate team is working closely with the site leadership team to support employees and ensure the shutdown and decommissioning phase is conducted in a safe and environmentally sound manner.
About ERCO Worldwide, LP
For over a century, ERCO Worldwide has stood as an industry leader in manufacturing inorganic chemicals. We have a strong reputation for innovation, helpfulness, and premium service. We credit our deep-rooted history and hard-earned reputation to our inspiring employees and their unwavering commitment to serving our customers and the planet. ERCO endeavors to provide unmatched value and expertise through sustainable, intelligent, and reliable products and solutions, creating genuine customer relationships.
North Vancouver Announcement
ERCO Worldwide, headquartered in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada, agrees to sell its North Vancouver Industrial Land and co-locate a 15 TPD Clean Hydrogen Plant in North Vancouver, BC.
HTEC, Canada's leading clean hydrogen solutions company, has entered into an agreement with ERCO Worldwide ("ERCO") to purchase its industrial land in North Vancouver, BC. ERCO will lease back a portion of the land on a long-term basis to continue its manufacturing operations, including the generation of by-product hydrogen gas through electrolysis. HTEC intends to construct a 15- tonne per day clean hydrogen plant to capture, purify and process the by-product hydrogen to meet the growing market demand for low-carbon transportation fuels.
The transaction is subject to customary commercial closing conditions and is anticipated to close in March 2023.
The link to HTEC’s announcement can be found here.
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About ERCO Worldwide, LP
For over a century, ERCO Worldwide has stood as an industry leader in the manufacture of inorganic chemicals. We have a strong reputation for innovation, helpfulness, and premium service. We credit our deep-rooted history and hard-earned reputation to our inspiring employees and their unwavering commitment to serving our customers and planet. ERCO endeavors to provide unmatched value and expertise through sustainable, intelligent, and reliable products and solutions, creating genuine customer relationships.
Asia Production Location for Chlorate / Peroxide-Based Precursor Solutions Used in Chlorine Dioxide Production for Water Treatment
Mississauga, Canada. – ERCO Worldwide a Greater Toronto Area Company and its wholly owned subsidiary International Dioxcide (IDI), today announced the opening of a new PurDOX™ production plant located in Shah Alam (Selangor), Malaysia in partnership with KC Chemicals (Manufacturing) Sdn Bhd. This new facility will serve the Asian region for the production of PurDOX™, a proprietary blend of sodium chlorate (40 percent) and hydrogen peroxide (~8 percent) used to generate chlorine dioxide (ClO2) for water treatment applications.
The intended markets for PurDOX™ are municipal drinking water disinfection, cooling tower biocidal control and ballast water disinfection. PurDOX™ is a US EPA-registered biocide and is NSF 60 certified for drinking water.
“Our Shah Alam (Selangor) location is fully commissioned and accepting orders,” said Thomas Dwyer, chlorine dioxide business director for International Dioxcide. “This is great news for those customers seeking an alternative chlorate / peroxide product and a reliable supply from one of the world’s largest basic producers of sodium chlorate.” Dwyer added that the new facility will only package in IBC’s.
About ERCO Worldwide LP
For over a century, ERCO Worldwide has stood as an industry leader in the manufacture of inorganic chemicals. We have a strong reputation for innovation, helpfulness, and premium service. We credit our deep-rooted history and hard-earned reputation to our inspiring employees and their unwavering commitment to serving our customers and planet. ERCO endeavors to provide unmatched value and expertise through sustainable, intelligent, and reliable products and solutions, creating genuine customer relationships.
About International Dioxcide, Inc.
International Dioxcide is North America’s leading provider of safe, reliable, and cost-effective chlorine dioxide solutions for commercial and industrial use. Chlorine dioxide is a versatile, broad-spectrum biocide used in a wide range of water treatment applications, especially in potable, industrial and wastewater treatment. IDI has provided chlorine dioxide generation expertise, equipment, and precursor chemicals for nearly 75 years. Both IDI and ERCO Worldwide are Responsible Care Companies.
Sodium Chlorate Announcement
Greater Greater Toronto Area Area, Canada – ERCO Worldwide ("ERCO") has decided to cease sodium chlorate manufacturing operations at its Grande Prairie, Alberta site by the end of Q3 2022. The site has a stated production capacity of 50,000 MTPY and employs 25 people.
Despite the best efforts of employees, current and future electricity rates have rendered the production of sodium chlorate at the site financially unsustainable.
“The Grande Prairie plant has been a vital part of the ERCO chlorate business since it opened in 1992. Our Grande Prairie team has done an outstanding job for the last 30 years and has been a leader in safety for the company. We appreciate their numerous contributions to our success." said Ed Bechberger – President & CEO.
Additionally, ERCO plans to actively pursue the sale of its North Vancouver, BC land on which its 100,000 MTPY sodium chlorate facility operates. ERCO will evaluate options concerning a sale of the land, based on the interest received.
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About ERCO Worldwide, LP
For over a century, ERCO Worldwide has stood as an industry leader in manufacturing inorganic chemicals. We have a strong reputation for innovation, helpfulness, and premium service. We credit our deep-rooted history and hard-earned reputation to our inspiring employees and their unwavering commitment to serving our customers and the planet. ERCO endeavours to provide unmatched value and expertise through sustainable, intelligent, and reliable products and solutions, creating genuine customer relationships.
ERCO Worldwide Opens PURDOX™ Production Plant in Georgia
New Location to Supply Chlorate / Peroxide-Based Precursor Solutions Used in Chlorine Dioxide Production for Water Treatment
Valdosta, GA. – ERCO Worldwide a Greater Toronto Area Company and its wholly owned subsidiary International Dioxcide (IDI), today announced the opening of its PurDOX™ production plant in Valdosta, Ga. This new facility will serve as the company’s flagship location for the production of PurDOX™, a proprietary blend of sodium chlorate (40 percent) and hydrogen peroxide (~8 percent) used to generate chlorine dioxide (ClO2) for water treatment applications.
The intended markets for PurDOX™ are municipal drinking water disinfection and cooling tower biocidal control. PurDOX™ is a US EPA-registered biocide and is NSF 60 certified for drinking water.
“Our Valdosta location is fully commissioned and open for business,” said Thomas Dwyer, chlorine dioxide business director for International Dioxcide. “This is great news for those customers seeking an alternative chlorate / peroxide product and a reliable supply from one of the world’s largest basic producers of sodium chlorate.” Dwyer added that the new offering includes custom packaged PurDOX™ solutions in addition to bulk tank truck deliveries.
About ERCO Worldwide LP
For over a century, ERCO Worldwide has stood as an industry leader in the manufacture of inorganic chemicals. We have a strong reputation for innovation, helpfulness, and premium service. We credit our deep-rooted history and hard-earned reputation to our inspiring employees and their unwavering commitment to serving our customers and planet. ERCO endeavors to provide unmatched value and expertise through sustainable, intelligent, and reliable products and solutions, creating genuine customer relationships.
About International Dioxcide, Inc.
International Dioxcide is North America’s leading provider of safe, reliable, and cost-effective chlorine dioxide solutions for commercial and industrial use. Chlorine dioxide is a versatile, broad-spectrum biocide used in a wide range of water treatment applications, especially in potable, industrial and wastewater treatment. IDI has provided chlorine dioxide generation expertise, equipment, and precursor chemicals for nearly 75 years. Both IDI and ERCO Worldwide are Responsible Care Companies.