Press Release
For Immediate Release

IMERYS Pigments for Paper Enhances Global Kaolin Logistics Infrastructure

June 5th 2007

In July, 2006 IMERYS Pigments for Paper announced that UK coating kaolin production would stop before the end of 2007. The paper operations in Cornwall will focus on the production of paper filler kaolins, for which the natural kaolin reserves are best suited. Working closely with customers, it was planned to transition existing UK coating kaolin business to Capim TM coating kaolins, with a corresponding increase in Brazilian kaolin production capacity.

With the increase in Capim TM volumes to the European paper market, IMERYS Pigments for Paper is further enhancing its logistics infrastructure by expanding the shipping capacity from Brazil to Europe, including a new vessel, and the establishment of a new distribution centre in Antwerp .

To ensure that IMERYS Pigments for Paper can ship the additional volumes from Brazil to Europe , our shipping partner took delivery of the new vessel in October 2006. She is currently being refitted, to be able to carry slurry and bulk, and is expected to arrive in Brazil for her first voyage in mid October this year.

The new distribution facility (Euro-hub) will be operational from the fourth quarter of 2007, to provide storage for slurry and dry products, together with ‘make down' capacity.

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For further information please contact:
Spencer Farmer, Global Marketing Director, IMERYS Pigments for Paper.
Phone +44 (0)776 664 1967
Email: spencer.farmer@imerys.com

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