Columbian to close UK carbon black plant

By Andrew Smith (PRW)

Bristol, UK -- Carbon black producer Columbian Chemicals has revealed that it plans to close its Sevalco plant at Avonmouth, UK, with the loss of 88 jobs.

The company, said it had been hit by the economic down turn in Europe generally and especially the difficult trading conditions in the car industry.

The company will now go through a formal 30 day period of consultation with unions over the future of the workforce.

The company, which produces carbon black for the rubber and plastics industries, has been in operation at the site for more than 50 years.

A company spokesman said it was unclear at present what would happen to the 8-hectare factory site in Avonmouth.

Parent company Columbian Chemicals also announced the closure of a US carbon black facility last month. It said it would close its production facilities in Marshall, West Virginia, on 31 January 2009, leading to approximately 55 positions being eliminated.

Kevin Boyle, president and ceo of Columbian Chemicals, said in a statement about the US closure: “Continued overcapacity coupled with an uncertain business outlook has forced Columbian to reevaluate its assets in North America. We are optimizing our resources during this difficult economic period while at the same time maintaining our focus on our customers.

“Our remaining plants in North America are well positioned to continue to provide the same high level of service and quality Columbian's customers have come to expect from our Marshall facility.”

From PRW (A Crain publication)

Website of Columbian Chemicals