Marietta, GA, USA, March 18, 2016

Birla Carbon announces plans to restructure operations in the Europe & Africa Region.  The plan includes the proposed closure of the Hannover, Germany plant; permanent closure of one production line in the Alexandria, Egypt plant; and a significant reduction of regional corporate personnel.

“We continually evaluate how to best serve our customers around the globe” said Kevin Boyle, Chief Operating Officer of Birla Carbon. “The challenging macroeconomic environment, continued slow growth dynamics of the region, and the unfavorable impact of the current oil market make this decision necessary to ensure the long term sustainability of our business.  These are difficult actions as we know they will impact our valued employees and the communities where we operate.”

Birla Carbon plans to consolidate operations at its remaining manufacturing sites in the region.  The Company is committed to working with customers to understand their needs and ensure a smooth transition to alternative Birla Carbon plants for its quality products and services.

“We wish to recognize our colleagues at the Hannover and Alexandria facilities along with those impacted across the region that worked so diligently over the years to support our customers and our Company,” stated John Loudermilk, President of North America, Europe, and Africa regions.  “This difficult decision comes only after careful consideration of all alternatives and is a critical step to position the Company for future success.”

The restructuring activities will begin immediately and are expected to conclude over the course of 2016.  They are subject to local consultation requirements and certain restrictions in each affected jurisdiction.

About Birla Carbon
Birla Carbon is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of high quality Carbon Black and a flagship business of the US$ 41 billion Aditya Birla Group. The Company’s footprint extends across 13 countries with 16 manufacturing facilities. Birla Carbon provides a complete portfolio of products across ASTM grades and specialty blacks to meet the specific end requirements across Tires, Rubber, Plastics, Coatings, Inks and other niche industries. Birla Carbon has two state-of-the-art technology centers at Marietta (USA) and Taloja (India), besides well-equipped laboratories across its manufacturing units providing for continuous R&D. As an ardent practitioner of sustainable development, Birla Carbon’s Sustainable Operational Excellence (SOE) strategy focuses on employee safety, environmental stewardship, efficient use of carbon black and a key focus on conducting operations in a socially and ethically responsible manner.

For more information, visit: www.birlacarbon.com