PPG reduces production, declares force majeure for Lake Charles silica plant

On September 15, 2010, PPG Industries notified customers that it was declaring force majeure for its Lake Charles, LA silica plant due to “premature and unanticipated tube failures and mechanical problems with certain of its Dryers.” The problem affected only one of the plant’s five units, but it was one of the larger units. PPG expects to have the equipment repaired and the unit operational before the end of 2010. Customers of the affected grades have been put on allocation until the problem is resolved. The affected grades are as follows: Hi-Sil 210, Flo-Gard 213, Hi-Sil 213, Hi-Sil 233, Hi-Sil 243LD, Hi-Sil 250, Ciptane I, and Hi-Sil HDP320G.