IMERYS Pigments for Paper Adjusts UK Kaolin Production


Paris, France, 05 June 2007 -- In July 2006, IMERYS Pigments for Paper announced that United Kingdom (UK) coating kaolin production would stop before the end of 2007. Working closely with customers, it is planned to transition existing UK coating kaolin business to Capim TM, with a corresponding increase in Brazilian kaolin production capacity.

Cornwall will continue to produce filler grade kaolins, with a sustainable, cost-effective production base. The extensive kaolin reserves in Cornwall are much more suited to the production of filler clays than coating kaolins. Imerys is investing GBP 25m in its UK kaolin operations, in order to create a sustainable platform for the future of these assets.

The new UK filler product portfolio will consist of a multi-purpose filler grade, Intrafill TM 60 and a comprehensive range of Intramax TM branded products, for more specialized filler applications.

Customers will be supplied with filler kaolins from the enhanced product range, starting as planned, before the end of the fourth quarter of 2007. Technical resources will be made available to assist with the introduction of the new filler products, and assist in modifying formulations to ensure that ongoing technical requirements are met.

IMERYS Pigments for Paper will continue to offer, what is regarded as, the most extensive portfolio of kaolin products to the paper industry, a product range that meets the technical requirements of the paper industry, both today and in the future.