- 1 October 2008 -
Compounder closes US plant

Americhem Inc. is closing its Elgin, Illinois manufacturing facility in the USA in early 2009.

According to Dave Bouton, Americhem’s vice-president and general manager for North America: "This is part of our overall strategy to consolidate and further invest in our major manufacturing facilities in the U.S. This past year we’ve added significant capacity at our four major U.S. facilities and can absorb the Elgin products very effectively."

"Our North American manufacturing centres of excellence give us significant advantages versus a small, speciality plant like Elgin," says Gary Dale, Americhem’s director of manufacturing for North America. Dale cited advantages for customers including service, technical support and cost position as reasons for the restructuring. "Americhem has positioned itself to succeed and thrive during difficult economic times," continues Dale. "With this announcement, we are further strengthening our competitiveness and ability to grow in this challenging economic environment."

Bouton pointed to material cost increases and continued escalation in energy, transportation, and health care costs as major challenges facing the colour concentrate industry. "In order to continue offering innovation and value to our customers, we must constantly seek ways to solidify our competitiveness," states Bouton.

Americhem operates plants in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; Mansfield, Texas; Concord, North Carolina; Dalton, Georgia; Manchester, U.K.; and Suzhou China. Each plant is maintained as a centre of excellence focusing on specific product categories and markets. Products currently manufactured in Elgin will be shifted to these locations.

Americhem Inc.; www.americhem.com