The extreme drought of the last twelve months in Tuscany, Italy is impacting on the economic activity in the region.
Solvay’s Rosignano plant has been affected by the shortage in local water supply.
The one million metric tonne unit is one of Solvay's main soda ash production sites in Europe. Consequently, the production of soda ash had to be reduced as of mid August 2012.
Depending on future rain fall levels, the plant might continue to reduce production for several weeks.
According to the company, due to its wide industrial network of soda plants, Solvay is able to take measures aiming at minimising the impact on its customers.