Press release —
Eka Chemicals to close Joutseno paper chemicals plant
AkzoNobel’s Pulp and Paper Chemicals business, Eka Chemicals, has decided to close operations at their paper chemicals Joutseno plant by the end of Q1 2012.
Despite the best efforts of employees, current market and economic conditions has rendered the production of sizing agents at the site financially unsustainable in the longer term.
The Nordic market will continue to be supplied with similar products from other Eka locations in the region.
The Joutseno plant employs four people and is located in the southeastern part of Finland, approximately 250 kilometers from Helsingfors.
For more information
Byron Smith
SBU Director
Pulp and Paper Europe, Eka Chemicals
Phone: +46 709 577404
Email: byron.smith@akzonobel.com
Topics
- Chemical industry
Categories
- sizing agents
- eka chemicals
- paper chemicals
Note to editors
Eka Chemicals, with 2,550 employees in 28 countries 2010, is a business unit within AkzoNobel. Turnover 2010 amounted to 1044 mEUR. Eka Chemicals is a leading supplier of bleaching chemicals, paper chemicals and systems to the pulp and paper industry throughout the world, and supplies certain special chemicals to the pharmaceuticals industry, water treatment, the electronics industry etc.
AkzoNobel is the largest global paints and coatings’ company and a major producer of specialty chemicals. We supply industries and consumers worldwide with innovative products and are passionate about developing sustainable answers for our customers. Our portfolio includes well known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International and Eka. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we are a Global Fortune 500 company and are consistently ranked as one of the leaders in the area of sustainability.With operations in more than 80 countries, our 55,000 people around the world are committed to excellence and delivering Tomorrow’s Answers Today™.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains statements which address such key issues as AkzoNobel’s growth strategy, future financial results, market positions, product development, products in the pipeline, and product approvals. Such statements should be carefully considered, and it should be understood that many factors could cause forecasted and actual results to differ from these statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, price fluctuations, currency fluctuations, developments in raw material and personnel costs, pensions, physical and environmental risks, legal issues, and legislative, fiscal, and other regulatory measures. Stated competitive positions are based on management estimates supported by information provided by specialized external agencies. For a more comprehensive discussion of the risk factors affecting our business please see our latest Annual Report, a copy of which can be found on the company’s corporate website www.akzonobel.com.
