MOSCOW (MRC) -- Venator Materials PLC announced the completion of the strategic review of its Pori, Finland TiO2 manufacturing facility, said the company on its website.
As a result of unanticipated cost escalation and extended timeline now understood to be associated with the reconstruction of the Pori, Finland TiO2 facility, Venator will transfer certain technology, and the production of select product grades, to other facilities within its current manufacturing network, which will become more efficient with greater flexibility. The Pori, Finland facility will continue to operate at reduced rates through the transition period, which is expected to last through 2021.
Simon Turner, President and CEO of Venator, commented: "Following an intense review, we have decided to close our Pori, Finland titanium dioxide facility and implement this product transfer and strengthening plan. We expect this plan to provide a better economic return than alternative options while maintaining the quality of Venator's specialty and differentiated business in order to service our valued customers.
"Closing the site is the best decision for the long-term success of our business, as we expect to restore the majority of our specialty and differentiated earnings formerly generated by Pori, using our existing facilities. We also believe doing so will preserve our financial flexibility and improve our ability to deliver free cash flow throughout the cycle.
"We recognize and regret the impact this decision will have on our associates at Pori. We will treat them with fairness and respect consistent with our values and established practices."
Venator is a global manufacturer and marketer of chemical products that comprise a broad range of pigments and additives that bring color and vibrancy to buildings, protect and extend product life, and reduce energy consumption. We market our products globally to a diversified group of industrial customers through two segments: Titanium Dioxide, which consists of our TiO2 business, and Performance Additives, which consists of our functional additives, color pigments, timber treatment and water treatment businesses. We operate 25 facilities, employ approximately 4,500 associates worldwide and sell our products in more than 110 countries.
MRC