HELSINKI (Thomson Financial) - Kemira said its Pigments business is to lay off 56 people at its production plant in Pori to cut costs, with the majority to take early retirement packages.
Talks with staff at the factory, which employs about 600 people, concluded yesterday.
Kemira revealed in the summer that it would retain Pigments after exploring options for the unit, including a possible sale.
A company spokesman said today Kemira is still exploring options for Chemidet, another unit within the group's specialty chemicals division.
The division has faced tough price competition in the market for titanium dioxide, with the weak US housing market prompting US producers to export to Europe. Its American competitors have also benefited from the weak dollar.
This week, the division said it will raise the price of acetates and feed additives from Jan 1 to help offset increased raw material, energy, labour and freight costs. james.etheridge@thomson.com je/jfr COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Financial News Limited 2007. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Thomson Financial News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Financial News.
Talks with staff at the factory, which employs about 600 people, concluded yesterday.
Kemira revealed in the summer that it would retain Pigments after exploring options for the unit, including a possible sale.
A company spokesman said today Kemira is still exploring options for Chemidet, another unit within the group's specialty chemicals division.
The division has faced tough price competition in the market for titanium dioxide, with the weak US housing market prompting US producers to export to Europe. Its American competitors have also benefited from the weak dollar.
This week, the division said it will raise the price of acetates and feed additives from Jan 1 to help offset increased raw material, energy, labour and freight costs. james.etheridge@thomson.com je/jfr COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Financial News Limited 2007. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Thomson Financial News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Financial News.
© 2007 AFX News
