Rohm and Haas Powder Coatings, a global market leader for powder coatings, will consolidate its manufacturing facilities in Europe into three sites, resulting in the closure of its Aldridge, UK, plant.  Production will be transferred to its other European sites in Germany, Italy and Spain. 

The proposed consolidation of ER sites is in response to the business’ commitment to reducing fixed costs and providing the most efficient and low cost manufacturing model in support of our sales and marketing investment, and to focus on the goal of restoring sales growth and profitability.  The powder coatings market has been experiencing a number of challenges over the last several years, including over-capacity, lower demand in the ER powder coatings market, a shift in downstream customers from ER to emerging markets, and sustained increases in raw material prices.

Approximately 70 employees at the Rohm and Haas Aldridge site will be affected.  As many employees as possible will be considered for positions in other company facilities.

European general manager, Robert Linsdell, said the decision was an extremely difficult one to make but it was necessary to refocus the company’s efforts on strategic and operational excellence and in global and regional profitability while providing customers with the best technology and end-market applications in the industry at the lowest cost. 
 
Powder coatings provide a durable, cost-effective, environmentally friendly and versatile alternative to liquid finishes.  Powder coatings are used on a wide variety of products, ranging from automotive spring coils to indoor/outdoor furniture and office equipment, kitchen appliances, industrial shelving, and rebar and pipe coatings. 
Rohm and Haas (NYSE: ROH) is a Philadelphia-based specialty materials company which makes products for the personal care, grocery, home and construction markets, and the electronics industry. The company had annual sales of approximately $7.3 billion in 2004 with operations in 27 countries. Additional information about Rohm and Haas can be found at

 www.rohmhaas.com.