Vishnu Chemicals Limited (VCL) has entered into a definitive joint venture agreement with France-based DCX Chrome SAS to establish a greenfield high-purity chromium metal manufacturing facility in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

The two companies will hold equal 50% stakes in the proposed venture. The facility will have an installed capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes per annum and will manufacture high-purity chromium metal for applications across the aerospace, defence, energy, oil and gas, and chemical processing sectors.

Under the partnership, DCX Chrome will provide its proprietary aluminothermic process technology and technical expertise, while Vishnu Chemicals will support the venture with a reliable supply of chrome oxide green. The project is expected to reduce India's dependence on imported chromium metal and strengthen domestic supply chains for strategic industries.

High-purity chromium metal is used in aerospace engine components, including combustion chambers, turbine discs, blades and casings, as well as in drilling tools, corrosion-resistant pipelines, nuclear power applications and land-based gas turbines.

Krishna Murthy Cherukuri, Chairman and Managing Director, Vishnu Chemicals, said the partnership would strengthen the company's specialty chemicals presence while contributing to India's manufacturing and self-reliance ambitions.

Fernando Accioly, CEO, DCX Chrome SAS, said the venture combines DCX Chrome's process technology and industrial expertise with Vishnu Chemicals' manufacturing capabilities and raw-material supply, creating a platform to serve growing global demand for high-purity chromium metal.