CrossChem products available in 60 countries around the world with innovations originating in Latvia

Latvian company CrossChem is an excellent example of how strategic planning, innovation and a sustainable approach can lead to a stable standing on the global market. Founded in 2007, the company specialises in manufacturing sustainable and environmentally friendly products; it is currently the only VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie) certified AdBlue® manufacturer in the Baltics (production facilities located in Latvia and Tartu, Estonia). AdBlue® is a liquid that is added to diesel in order to reduce the air pollution or emissions created by the engine. The company also manufactures a range of other products that help reduce operating costs and negative environmental impact in the transport and agriculture industries. With its factory in Olaine and 24 production facilities around the world, CrossChem has shown it can hold its own in competition with major global players, having expanded its export reach to over 60 countries. 

Innovations and excellence born in Latvia 

The heart of CrossChem is found in the Latvian city of Olaine. Here, the majority of the company’s products are designed and developed, to eventually be delivered to corporate and private customers throughout the world. The company takes pride in its team of knowledgeable experts – skilled chemists and technologists. In the CrossChem lab, formulas for new products are developed, already produced batches undergo detailed quality control to ensure that every customer receives top quality products.  

Ričards Andersons, Chairman of the Board of CrossChem, emphasises the Latvian team’s importance in the global development strategy of the company: “Latvia is not only our home, but also are innovation hub. We genuinely believe that all major innovations begin here – in our laboratory and factory. The products we create, from the formula to the production technology and packaging, are forwarded to our partners throughout the world. This model of operations provides advantages and allows us to significantly reduce costs and successfully expand our business beyond Latvia.” 

In Latvia, the company employs about 80 people in product development and production. The team is focused on sustainability and efficiency by constantly seeking ways to optimise processes and reduce resource consumption. Thanks to this approach, CrossChem has established a strong, yet flexible production model allowing it to operate at a global scale.  

A global network based on local partners 

The CrossChem development strategy is based on a unique business model allowing the company to efficiently expand its operations globally without having to invest significant resources in researching the specifics of every market. The chemical industry is heavily regulated with different requirements and rules in place in each country. To succeed in this complicated environment, the company establishes partnerships with local entities. This strategy is not only effective, but also sustainable, because it allows the company to make us of local knowledge and resources. 

Bringing in local partners in other countries is a well-considered strategic approach. This way CrossChem not only gains knowledge resources and market access, but also a partner motivated to ensure the success of the company in their country. CrossChem and their local partners establish independent companies that fall into the international CrossChem group thus bringing the name of the company and Latvia to the world. 

“In our global development strategy, we always opt for collaborating with local partners. We see it as not only convenient, but also a strategic win. We put our trust in people who know their market and, combining our technologies with their local competence, we create a strong synergy. Each party shoulders their share of the responsibility, and we work quite literally hand in hand,” Mr Andersons explains.  

Sustainable and efficient production abroad 

One of the advantages of the CrossChem business model is that production technologies and know-how developed in Latvia is provided to the factories located in other countries. This way the company guarantees consistent quality standards throughout the world, while local partners receive a ready-made product formula, technology, and all necessary equipment to commence production quickly and efficiently. 

The technologies and process optimisation developed by CrossChem allows the factories abroad to be operated by a relatively small staff thus reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption. Moreover, setting up local production facilities also further reduces environmental impact because there is no need to ship the final product, which has a significant percentage of water content. 

Ambitious future objectives 

CrossChem is aiming to have 40 representation offices by 2030 and reach a turnover of EUR 250 million. “We are living in a time when innovation and sustainability is no longer a choice, but rather an important prerequisite. Our technological innovations allow us to not only reduce costs, but also our environmental footprint. I am certain that with our knowledge and the support of our partners we will achieve our 2030 targets,” Mr. Andersons says.