8 Oct 2008
Rhodia announces a plan to improve the competitiveness of its Polyamide businesses in Europe
Paris, France – October 8, 2008 – Rhodia has today presented a plan to improve the competitiveness of its Polyamide businesses in Europe to its European Works Council. The aim of the plan is to help these businesses adapt to changes in the polyamide market, which is expanding rapidly in Eastern Europe, Latin America and Asia but is experiencing slower growth in Western Europe.
The plan presented to the European Works Council proposes to address this challenge by optimizing Rhodia Polyamide's production and research and development resources in Europe. It will involve:
• The closure, by mid-2009, of Rhodia Polyamide's Ceriano facility in Italy, which could affect 212 people.
• Increasing production capacity at the Lyon Belle-Etoile facility in France and the Gorzow facility in Poland.
• Transferring all Rhodia Polyamide's European Research, Development and Applications teams to a single site in Lyon, to enhance their efficiency.
Employee representatives will be consulted about the plan in the coming weeks and Rhodia will do everything possible to help employees whose jobs could be eliminated to find alternative employment.
The plan is part of a broader program to cut Rhodia Polyamide's costs by about €40 million per year by 2010 and will help to strengthen our leadership of the various segments of the polyamide market.
Reader enquiries
Rhodia Corporate
Coeur Défense, Tour A - 37 13ème étage
110, esplanade Charles de Gaulle
92931 PARIS LA DÉFENSE CEDEX
France
Notes for editors
Rhodia Polyamide
Rhodia Polyamide is Rhodia's fully integrated enterprise focusing on Polyamide 6.6. Its strategy rests on three pillars: development of a highly competitive worldwide position in intermediates & polymers along with fast expansion of its manufacturing footprint in strong growing regions; the development of engineering plastics as a growth engine and a focus on Asia and Brazil as priority regions for growth beyond its European base. In South America, Rhodia Polyamide also holds strong positions in phenol and the adiponitrile route, industrial yarns and fibers.
For further details about Rhodia Polyamide visit the website at www.rhodia-polyamide.com.
Rhodia
Rhodia is an international chemical company resolutely committed to sustainable development. As a leader in its businesses, the Group aims to improve its customers’ performance through the pursuit of operational excellence and its ability to innovate. Structured around six Enterprises, Rhodia is the partner of major players in the automotive, tire, electronics, perfume, health & beauty and home care markets. The Group employs around 15,000 people worldwide and generated sales of €4.8 billion in 2007. Rhodia is listed on Euronext Paris.
For more information, please visit our website www.rhodia.com.
Editorial enquiries
Anne-Elisabeth Mourey
Rhodia Engineering Plastics
anne-elisabeth.mourey@eu.rhodia.com
Alan Flower
EMG