Belgium’s Solvay stops soda ash production in Alex on changed economics, says will continue producing quicklime: Belgian chemicals manufacturer Solvay announced it is suspending production of soda ash at its plant in Alexandria until further notice, according to a company statement. “The soda ash plant’s profitability has been declining since 2014 when a gas price increase of 2.5 times outweighed Solvay’s continuous efforts to improve production performance through lower energy consumption and increased operational efficiency.” While Solvay says higher energy costs have undermined the plant’s profitability, it noted that production of quicklime​​ (calcium oxide) will continue at the Alexandria site, “with good prospects in the region including in construction.” The decision to suspend production will result in a EUR 90 mn impairment charge that will be reflected in the company’s 1Q2016 results.