Cristal Global to discontinue titanium dioxide production at facility in the USA

Cristal Global has announced that it will cease base pigment manufacturing at its Hawkins Point Plant in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. The plant was idled in March 2009 as a result of the severe economic downturn. Despite recently improved demand for titanium dioxide, the long-term outlook for the facility remains unfavorable. "We are able to manufacture the products made at this facility at our other, lower cost sites," said John Hall, Senior Vice-President, Strategy and Development. However, while base pigment production will formally end, the company studies all possible options for continued manufacturing activity at the site. The Hawkins Point plant, established in 1954, manufactured titanium dioxide, a white pigment used to provide whiteness, brightness, opacity and durability to coatings, plastics, and paper.