Imerys announces reorganization of its UK kaolin operations

Imerys announces reorganization of its UK kaolin operations

Imerys announces reorganization of its UK kaolin operations

Imerys announced a reorganization of its UK kaolin. Imerys will stop manufacturing paper coating grades in Cornwall by the end of 2007. The paper operations in Cornwall will focus on the production of paper filler kaolins. Imerys' production capacity for coating grades in Brazil will be expanded accordingly. At the same time, Imerys will close its hydrous kaolin operations in Devon and consolidate its UK kaolin for ceramics and for performance minerals base in Cornwall. This UK reorganization includes up to 800 job losses from the Cornwall and Devon area. Most of the changes will not take place before the fourth quarter of next year. The purpose of this reorganization, along with a significant capital expenditure programme (GBP 25 million; GBP 1=EUR 1.44), is to secure the future of the Group's UK operations.