Rohm and Haas Temporarily Closes Production Facilities in the Path of Hurricane Rita
PHILADELPHIA, PA, SEPTEMBER 22, 2005 - Rohm and Haas Company (NYSE:ROH) has temporarily closed production facilities in the areas most likely to be affected by Hurricane Rita.
"The safety of our employees and the security of our manufacturing facilities are matters of primary concern," said Thomas L. Archibald, Vice President and Director of Operations and Engineering.
The company has temporarily suspended production at its Deer Park (Houston), Lone Star and Bayport, Texas facilities, as well as a facility in Weeks Island, Louisiana. The company also has placed its salt mine operation in Grand Saline, Texas on standby.
"The weather is out of our control," said Archibald. "As soon as the storm passes through, we will assess any impact and get our facilities up and running again as soon as possible."
The affected sites employ a total of a little more than 1,500 people, or approximately 9 percent of the company's global workforce of 16,700. The Deer Park, Texas, plant is the company's largest manufacturing site. It makes acrylate and methacryate monomers which ultimately find their way into end uses such as paints and coatings, baby diapers, shampoos, detergents, and much more. Total employment at the site is approximately 850 people.
The company has notified customers of the temporary shutdown, and will provide updates on the status of its facilities after the hurricane passes through the area.
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About Rohm and Haas Company
Rohm and Haas is a Philadelphia-based specialty materials company which makes products for the personal care, grocery, home and construction markets, and the electronics industry. The company expects annual sales in excess of $8 billion in 2005, and has significant operations in 27 countries. Additional information about Rohm and Haas can be found at www.rohmhaas.com.
CONTACTS:
Laura Hadden
Rohm and Haas Company
Corporate Communications
(215) 592-3054
LHadden@rohmhaas.com
Leslie Johnson
Rohm and Haas Company
Corporate Communications
(215) 592-6922
lesliejohnson@rohmhaas.com
