Arizona Chemical confirms US plant closure, job cuts

27 May 2009 14:17  [Source: ICIS news]

TORONTO (ICIS news)--US specialty resins and pine-based chemicals producer Arizona Chemical will permanently close its chemical plant in Port St Joe, Florida, in July, affecting about 77 jobs, the company said on Wednesday, confirming industry reports.

“Unfortunately, given the current economic outlook, the decision has been made that closing the Port St Joe plant and moving its orders to the company’s other refineries makes the best economic sense for the overall health of the business,” CEO Kees Verhaar said in a statement to ICIS news.

“Arizona Chemical is not alone in its struggle to stay ahead of the impact the global economic downturn has had on our orders and production,” he said.

The company planned to transfer the Port St Joe production to its refineries in Panama City, Florida, and Savannah, Georgia, it said.

It would also invest in several of its other US facilities to accommodate the Port St Joe business, it said.

The affected workers at the site would be given comprehensive severance and outplacement assistance, including working with local officials to find job opportunities, where possible, it said.

The Port St Joe plant produces rosins, rosin esters and fatty acids for the adhesives, oleochemicals and inks industries.

Jacksonville, Florida-based Arizona Chemical is described as the world’s largest producer of naturally derived specialty resins and pine-based chemicals for the adhesives, inks and coatings, lubricants, fuel additives, mining and oleochemicals markets.

The company employs a staff of 1,200 and has six manufacturing plants in the US and five in Europe.

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By: Stefan Baumgarten
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