Continental Carbon Australia to shut carbon black plant

On December 5, Koppers Holdings Inc. announced that it would cease manufacturing operations at its Continental Carbon Australia carbon black manufacturing facility in Kurnell, New South Wales, Australia. The decision, which will affect approximately 65 employees, was made as a result of a detailed analysis of the manufacturing assets in light of deteriorating operating conditions including raw material availability and cost, competition in export markets due to the strength of the Australian dollar, and a variety of other factors. Manufacturing operations at the facility will cease during the week of December 5, 2011 and the facility will transition to closure over the next four months. The Company will continue to maintain a presence in Australia through its tar distillation facility as well as its business operations in treated utility poles and related products.