Celanese to assess potential closure of French, Mexican acetyl intermediates production

30-Jan-09

Anticipating drastic decline in demand amid gloomy economic outlook, Celanese Corporation is considering the potential closure of acetic acid (450,000 tpa) and vinyl acetate monomer (150,000 tpa) plant in Pardies, France, and assessing the potential closure of VAM production in Cangrejera, Mexico (115,000 tpa). According to the company, if the assessment studies call for the closure of these production facilities, the company will meet customer obligations with production from its other facilities in Europe, North America and Asia. All potentially affected employees would be treated fairly and according to respective country laws and practices. "We are evaluating, along with other possible actions, the best means to align production capacity and worldwide staffing with anticipated prolonged lower demand." said David Weidman, chairman and chief executive officer. "The company is focused on meeting customer needs while maintaining our global competitive leadership position in Acetyls."