Total Petrochem to exit SBCs, close Antwerp unit

Antwerp, Belgium - Total Petrochemicals intends to end elastomer production at its Antwerp facility in Belgium after several years operating in increasingly tough economic and competitive conditions.

The Antwerp plant - Total's only such unit -is in the port area close to other Total Group plants. It produces styrenic block copolymers sold under the Finaprene and Finaclear names. The plant has been making about 65 000 tonnes per year, according to a Total spokeswoman, who added that Total reduced annual capacity from 100 kt during 2005.

Total said it was becoming increasingly difficult to compete with other manufacturers based in Asia, saying, "economic conditions made particularly difficult by the relocation to Asia of both consumption and production process."

The plan would lead to the loss of 144 jobs - 134 in Antwerp and 10 in Brussels. In line with its social policy Total Petrochemicals said it would do its utmost to ensure that there are no layoffs. The plan is subject to a stautory 90-day consultation period, and Total hopes to give further news within three months, said the spokeswoman.

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