World’s leading provider & maker of polyester resins Reichhold announced a price increase of $ 0.10 per pound for its unsaturated polyester resins and other products sold to the composites industry in North America. This increase is effective for all orders shipped on or after October 1, 2005.

"Industry had begun to see an escalation of raw material costs that began in July and August," explains Reichhold Business Management Director Bill Schramm. "That trend had led us to a point that were almost certainly going to have to announce an increase for October. However, the impact which Hurricane Katrina has had on fuel prices, and other petroleum-based raw materials hastened the need for this increase," Schramm said.

Supply of all feed stocks are very tight due to production shutdowns and transportation issues. This is having an immediate effect on basic polyester raw materials such as styrene, maleic anhydride, phthalic anhydride and all glycols.
"The transportation industry has already doubled fuel surcharges, and these costs are expected to drive freight costs even higher," Schramm said.

"The hurricane has also disrupted rail service, which will be tied up for the foreseeable future due to damage in the Gulf area," Schramm said. He further explained that both inbound and outbound materials for polyester manufacturers are being shipped via trucks rather than rail, increasing costs even further."

"Company is sincerely appreciate the understanding and patience of customers during this very turbulent period," Schramm said. "They are committed to meeting the needs of customers and distributors."

No Supply Interruptions Expected because of the strong relationships Reichhold has forged with its raw materials suppliers, the company expects that Reichhold customers will not experience supply interruptions as a result of Hurricane Katrina''s effect on transportation and manufacturing of raw materials.

For more information on Reichhold''s technologies for the composites industry, visit www.reichhold.com.

Founded in 1927, Reichhold, with its world headquarters and technology center in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA, is together with its parent, Dainippon Ink & Chemicals (Tokyo, 4631) the world’s largest manufacturer of unsaturated polyester resins and a leading supplier of coating resins for the industrial, transportation, building and construction, marine, consumer and graphic arts markets. Reichhold has manufacturing operations throughout North America, Latin America, the Middle East and Europe.
 
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