PITTSBURGH, (Dec. 8, 2011)—Koppers Holdings Inc. is closing its carbon black plant in Kurnell, New South Wales, Australia.
The company said the operation, Continental Carbon Australia Pty. Ltd., will shut down this week, and all 65 employees will lose their jobs over the next four months.
Koppers aid the decision, “was made as a result of a detailed analysis of the manufacturing assets in light of deteriorating operating conditions including raw material availability and cost, competition in export markets due to the strength of the Australian dollar, and a variety of other factors.”
Tire production ended in Australia in recent years, affecting local carbon black demand.