2004 highlights
- Substantial top line sales growth
- Continuation of cost reduction initiatives
- New Chinese production plant
commissioning on schedule
- Improved safety record
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2004 was a year of substantial achievement
and growth for Elementis Pigments despite testing economic
and operating conditions.
Sales increased by approximately 12 per cent, when measured
in our operating currency, the US Dollar. Volumes rose by approximately
5 per cent. Significant increases in raw material costs and
start up costs for the TaiCang plant offset volume and price
improvements.
Sales to the key coatings market showed significant growth,
particularly in North America and Asia Pacific. Strong sales
of our unique Copperas Reds helped boost sales to the colorants
market and provided pull-through benefits for our other iron
oxide pigments. In the chemicals sector, sales into the cosmetics
market were especially strong. 
The withdrawal from supply of a key raw material for our
Calcium 10 drier product considerably impacted short term
production. Sterling work was done by our operations and
technical teams
to engineer a replacement.
The Servo driers business was transferred to Pigments management
on 1 January 2005. Sales to the construction markets in North
America and Asia Pacific increased throughout 2004, with favourable
weather, interest and exchange rates providing a favourable
market environment. Significant price increases were successfully
implemented during the course of 2004 in all areas.
Construction activity at the TaiCang facility continued on
schedule. Further granular product capacity has been added
to our existing plant at Shenzhen, China, to meet increased
demand. These activities will considerably improve the Pigments
cost structure during 2005.
Work has begun to implement the Elementis ERP system at Elementis
Pigments during the course
of 2006. |
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3,100
products
as at December 2004
625 staff
as at December 2004
Management team
David Dutro, President
Steve Wittenauer, Vice President of Finance
Dennis Valentino, Vice President Worldwide
Operations
Eric Dick, Vice President Construction
Jerry Horton, Vice President Human Resources
Dave Becher, Vice President of Material
Jim Heney, Vice President Coatings and
Chemicals
Jon Cheele, General Manager VP Driers
Godwin Lee, General Manager, China Region
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