Tronox Inc. Announces Its Global Titanium Dioxide Development Strategy

Source: China Masterbatch Website Date: February 28, 2007

According to foreign media reports, the US company Tronox Inc. has announced its titanium dioxide development strategy, whereby it will optimize its assets by relying on chlorination process technology, a strong customer base and opportunities emerging from the rapid growth in the Asia-Pacific market. Consistent with this strategy, on February 13, the company declared a plan for the expansion of production capacity by 40,000-50,000 tons/year in Tiwest Paint Factory in order to accommodate increasing sales in the Asia-Pacific region. The demand in this region grew about 11-13% in 2006. The company estimates that the cost of the expansion will reach 35-45 million US dollars. The new capacity is expected to go into operation in 2009.

Furthermore, the production capacity of the chlorination-processed titanium dioxide plant of Tronox Inc. in Botlek, the Netherlands, has reached 90,000 tons/year, having long ago eclipsed the original output of 72,000 tons/year. It aims to meet the growing demand for high-quality chlorination-processed paint in the European market mainly through low-cost process improvements, extension of operating times and eliminating remoulding bottlenecks. In addition to satisfying the increasing demand for the chlorination-processed titanium dioxide products in the Asia-Pacific and European regions, Tronox Inc. will pursue a global strategy primarily oriented toward fulfilling the needs of the American market.