BASF Catalysts expands Georgia plants

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 2007
• Weight: 48 KB
• Volume: 2007
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1351-4180
• DOI: 10.1016/s1351-4180(07)70546-9

✦ Synopsis

sales for the Grace Davison operating segment, which includes silica-and alumina-based catalysts and materials used in a wide range of industrial applications, were $438.7 M (+15.4% on its 2Q 2006). The primary factors contributing to the sales increase were: selling price increases that partially offset higher raw material costs; higher volume of fluid catalytic cracking catalysts in most geographic regions from stronger economic activity and from the success of strategic growth initiatives; and favourable translation effects from sales denominated in foreign currencies. Pre-tax operating income was $60.6 M ($46.3 M) and operating margin was 13.8% (12.2%). The improvement in operating income and margin is principally attributable to higher selling prices and higher volumes, a better product mix, and successful productivity initiatives. Sales of the Grace Davison operating segment for 1H 2007 were $826.4 M (+12.2% on its 1H 2006), operating income was $105.6 M (+28.3%), with operating margins at 12.8% (11.2%). Year-to-date operating results reflect higher sales in most product groups and in regions other than North America, partially offset by the negative effects of higher raw material costs.