NORWALK, Conn.—Vanderbilt Chemicals, L.L.C.—a wholly owned subsidiary of R.T. Vanderbilt Holding Co. Inc.—will consolidate its commercial production of chemicals to its newly upgraded plant in Murray, Ky.
The company will transfer its displaced volume from its chemicals plant in Bethel, Conn., by the end of 2014. This will include production of specialty chemical lubricant additives for oils, fluids and greases—in addition to additives for rubber and plastics, paint and coatings.
Vanderbilt Chemicals, whose products serve the rubber and plastic additives industries, the petroleum oil additive industry, and the coatings and building materials industries, will continue to maintain a pilot plant and laboratory in Bethel to support the chemicals business.
Vanderbilt Holding Co.'s Chairman and CEO Hugh Vanderbilt said the decision to consolidate the commercial production was difficult. He said the decision will allow the company to compete more effectively in a competitive manufacturing environment.
Ken Kelly, president of Vanderbilt Chemicals, said the move will enhance efficiency and provide growth opportunities.
The plant in Murray was built in 1969 and was recently expanded through a multi-million dollar upgrade with four of nine production lines completely automated.