Oltchim S.A., is one of the largest chemical companies in Romania and Southeastern Europe, with a total of 3470 employees in 2011. It was established in 1966 under the name Râmnicu Vâlcea Chemical Works. Constructions of the facilities began in July of 1966. The first plant, Mercury Cells Electrolysis, was commissioned on 28 July 1968. In 1990, a government decision, turned the Râmnicu Vâlcea Chemical Works into a joint-stock company, called Oltchim S.A.