The Anderson Observer reports that Michelin is restarting production of large OTR tires at its facility in Starr, South Carolina. The company held an event at the plant today, Thursday, August 30, to officially reopen manufacturing. The factory began production in January 2014 but production was idled in 2015 due to a downturn in global demand for large OTR and mining tires. The factory produces Michelin’s largest tires, including “the Earthmover,” which can stand up to 13 feet tall and weigh up to 5.5 tons. Roughly 80% of plant output is exported.
August 30, 2018
August 14, 2018
Continental Carbon announces carbon black price increase for US
On August 10, Continental Carbon Company (Houston, TX) announced a price increase of $0.07/lb for all grades and customers effective October 1, 2018 or as contracts allow. The company said in a letter to customers that the move was necessary to recover mounting increases in operational, environmental, and logistical costs.
In addition, Continental Carbon announced two changes to its hopper car fleet. First, the company is adding to its fleet of hopper cars and will begin implementing a HC usage fee of $0.02/lb effective January 1, 2019. The second change is a modification to the company’s hopper car demurrage policy — the base portion of the demurrage policy will remain the same but the charge for HC’s held over 60 days will increase to $200/day.
August 13, 2018
Cabot raising prices for specialty carbon blacks
Effective September 1, 2018, or as contracts allow, Cabot Corporation will increase prices up to 10% globally for specialty carbon products. This price increase is required due to escalating costs associated with logistics, raw materials, environmental compliance and capital improvements.