Bayer Realigns Synthetic
Iron Oxide Pigment Manufacturing
l Bayer Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA, will close one production line for its Bayferrox synthetic iron oxide pigments in new Martinsville, WV. The line produces standard grade iron oxide pigments. The facility will continue to manufacture iron oxide and zinc ferrite pigments primarily for high performance products in the paint and plastics markets. Standard grade iron oxide products will be available from Bayer’s global capacity.
“Bayer still remains committed to supplying a full line of synthetic iron oxide pigments for all markets,” said John L. Williams, executive vice president, Bayer Corporation and president, coatings and colorants division. “However, in New Martinsville we will concentrate on producing only the higher grades of iron oxide.”
Bayer has initiated a global cost reduction program across its coatings and colorants business group. Shutdown of the production unit will affect between 135 and 160 employees and is expected to occur in early 2002.