PHENIX CITY, Ala. (March 11, 2009)—Carbon black manufacturer Continental Carbon Co. has idled one production line and temporarily laid off 14 of 60 employees at its Phenix City facility.
The action was taken because of reduced demand for products across the carbon black industry and difficulties being experienced by North American automobile manufacturers and reductions in domestic tire production, the Houston-based company said.
The Phenix City site has two production lines during full operation, a spokesman said. No similar reductions were announced for Continental Carbon's other North American sites in Ponca City, Okla., or Sunray, Texas.
The company's leaders remain committed to being a part of the U.S. carbon black industry in general and specifically to continuing operations and community outreach activities in Phenix City, the firm said. Full operations at the plant are expected to resume as soon as Continental Carbon's tire company customers return to regular operations.