FMC Lithium Improves Global Reach of Butyllithium Operations
CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 16, 2009 – FMC Lithium today announced several steps aimed at improving the global reach and profitability of its butyllithium operations. In Asia, the company has expanded its global network for butyllithium manufacturing with the successful start-up of a new butyllithium plant in Zhangjiagang, China, to supply the growing Asian market. FMC commissioned a butyllithium plant in Hyderabad, India, in 2007 to service the rapidly expanding pharmaceutical business in the region.
In North America, the company has consolidated all production at its butyllithium plant in Bessemer City, N.C. and closed the butyllithium line at its Bayport, Texas, site. The shutdown does not affect FMC’s hydrogen peroxide operations at the Bayport facility. FMC Lithium will continue to produce butyllithium at Bromborough, United Kingdom, for the European market.
“The expansion of our butyllithium network is critical to servicing the growth markets in Asia and will reduce supply lead-times and improve customer service,” said Jon Evans, FMC Lithium division manager. “The addition of the Zhangjiagang plant gives FMC the most extensive global network of butyllithium production.
“We believe this expansion coupled with a consolidation in North America capacity was necessary to better align with the needs of the marketplace and improve our profitability,” said Evans. “We will continue to evaluate and modify our business footprint and offerings as necessary to respond to the challenging economic environment.”
From its headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., FMC Lithium serves markets including battery and energy, air treatment, construction, energy, fine chemicals, glass and ceramics, greases and lubricants, pool-water treatment, and polymers. Information is available at fmclithium.com. The company may be reached at by phone at 888/LITHIUM or 704/426-5300, by fax at 704/426-5370, or by email at lithium.info@fmc.com.
FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC) is a diversified chemical company serving agricultural, industrial and consumer markets globally for more than a century with innovative solutions, applications and quality products. The company employs approximately 5,000 people throughout the world. The company operates its businesses in three segments: Agricultural Products, Specialty Chemicals and Industrial Chemicals.