Rockwood Holdings to build US$115M advanced technology production facility in August, Georgia, for synthesis of iron oxide pigments; commissioning targeted for H1 2013

Alison Gallant

PRINCETON, New Jersey , December 6, 2011 (press release) – Rockwood Holdings Inc. (NYSE: ROC - News) announced today that its Color Pigments and Services business will build an advanced technology production facility in Augusta, GA, for the synthesis of iron oxide pigments. This $115 million investment will result in the first new iron oxide pigment production plant in the United States in nearly 35 years.

Commenting on the investment plans, Andrew M. Ross, president of Rockwood Performance Additives, said, “Rockwood is the only global iron oxide supplier with production capabilities in North America. We are making this investment in a new production facility in the US to deploy significant recent advancements in our proven iron oxide pigment technology. This investment is further evidence of our commitment to strengthen regional manufacturing capability to support our customers.”

Seifi Ghasemi, chairman and chief executive of Rockwood Holdings, said, “The construction of this advanced technology facility enables us to consolidate our operations in the US, to improve product quality and reduce our dependence on imported raw material for the production of this product. In addition, it reflects our confidence in the future growth of the US economy.”

Rockwood expects this advanced technology facility to provide a consistent supply of the highest quality color pigments to North American customers, to strengthen customer service, and to reduce lead time and improve product development potential within the region.

Construction of the facility is expected to take place over the next 18 months, with commissioning targeted for the first half of 2013. This investment is expected to create 80 to 100 new jobs at the new facility. Following the completion of the new plant, Rockwood will close its St. Louis, MO, manufacturing facility and part of its Beltsville, MD, facility.

Rockwood’s Color Pigments & Services Division is one of the largest worldwide suppliers of colored pigments for construction, coatings, plastics and specialty applications. Its manufacturing sites and customer service centers are located in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Australia and China with additional sales offices located in Singapore and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.rockwoodpigments.com

Rockwood Color Pigments & Services is a business unit of Rockwood Holdings Inc., a leading global specialty chemicals and advanced materials company. Rockwood has a worldwide employee base of approximately 9,600 people and annual net sales of more than $3.5 billion. The company focuses on global niche segments of the specialty chemicals, pigments and additives and advanced materials markets. For more information on Rockwood, please visit www.rocksp.com

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