US-based Degussa Engineered Carbons is closing one of its two rubber black production lines at its carbon black facility in Belpre, Ohio, effective 30 September. The closure will result in the loss of 15 jobs, but will not affect the remaining black line or pigment production at the site.
DEC says the closure decision follows the need to realign its supply chain to the US tyre industry after a series of permanent shutdowns at several North American plants, which have not been offset by expansion at the remaining facilities. In addition, low cost, imported tyres have continued to gain market share.
The 30,000tpa line being closed will remain intact and could be restarted if necessary. DEC was unwilling to confirm the capacity of the remaining line.
