US Arch Chem to close two R&D centres, part of consolidation plan

24 August 2010 22:57  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS)--US biocides producer Arch Chemicals plans to close two research and development (R&D) centres as part of a plan to consolidate those sites' operations to Alpharetta, Georgia, the company said on Tuesday.

Arch will close the centres in Cheshire, Connecticut, and New Castle, Delaware, according to a statement by Mark Faford, vice president of investor relations at Arch. In addition, the consolidation will affect 7 employees at a third site in Conley, Georgia.

In all, more than 90% of the employees affected would be offered relocation packages, Faford said.

Arch should complete the consolidation by the end of 2011, the company said in a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The consolidation will cost Arch $6m-8m (€5m-6m) in pre-tax charges, the company said in the filing.

Out of the total, $3m-4m would cover relocation expenses and severance costs; $2m for the impairment of the New Castle facility; and $1m-2m in other costs, Arch said.

The consolidation is part of a larger plan to improve its operating margins, Arch said. The company would provide more details about the plan later in the year.

The margin-improvement plan would also include portfolio management, cost-reduction initiatives and new-product development, Arch said.

($1 = €0.79)

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By: Al Greenwood
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