Jan 20 2009
Responding to current economic conditions, Olin Corporation (NYSE: OLN) announced today that it will not reopen its chlor alkali plant in St. Gabriel, LA, that has been shut down since early December 2008 for scheduled maintenance. However, the company is continuing with its previously announced conversion and expansion project at the facility.
"We believe the decision will more cost effectively meet demand from customers impacted by the current downturn in economic conditions," said John McIntosh, President of Olin Chlor Alkali Products.
He said "The decision is not expected to result in a reduction in the St. Gabriel work force who will concentrate on decommissioning the current plant and preparing the new facility to start in the second quarter. The plant employs about 90 workers."
The current St. Gabriel plant has an annual production capacity of 197,000 electro chemical units.
Olin will continue to supply its existing customers from other Olin facilities.