Sibur to close outdated chlorine plant at Dzerzhinsk

DZERZHINSK, RUSSIA: Sibur announced gradual shutdown of its chlorine production at the former Kaprolaktam factory, which is now integrated into Sibur-Neftekhim, a subsidiary of Sibur. The equipment at the production lines is worn-out and outdated, and has no more resource for accident-free and economically feasible operation; and replacing it with new equipment would be economically unfeasible. Phasing out of the units started in 2012 and will continue until the spring of 2013. This timeline provides for the safest possible shutdown process.

An advance notice about the end of operation was given to the personnel at the chlorine production. A large number of the employees will continue working at the divisions of the former Kaprolaktam unrelated to chlorine production. The company will fully comply with its obligations under the employment law on allowances to the personnel and offer them employment options at the Sibur facilities in the Nizhny Novgorod region and other regions of Russia.

Closing down some of the outdated facilities will help to remediate environmental damage dating back to the Soviet era. Upon shutdown of the chlorine production, the discharge to the sludge depositary the local people call Beloye More (the White Sea) will stop. Sibur, working with the national, regional, and local authorities, will proceed with further closing-down measures at the facility. Etalon R&D centre has completed drawing up the respective design documents commissioned by the Company, and the documents are currently undergoing regulatory revision.

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