Celanese Announces Closure of Its Acetate Tow Manufacturing Unit in Ocotlán, Mexico

Celanese Corporation (NYSE:CE), a global specialty materials company, recently announced a consolidation of its global acetate manufacturing operations by initiating the closure of its acetate tow manufacturing unit in Ocotlán, Jalisco, Mexico. The consolidation is designed to strengthen the company’s competitive position, reduce fixed costs and align future production capacities with anticipated industry demand.

Marcel van Amerongen, Vice President of Celanese’s Cellulose Derivatives business, said: “As Celanese has discussed over the last many months, the global business environment for acetate tow products is challenging. Global demand for acetate tow is declining, and for the foreseeable future we are not projecting improvements in this business environment. The acetate tow business is an important one for Celanese and we are taking the strategic steps needed to ensure success in the future.”

The company will continue to serve its acetate tow customers by optimizing its global production network, which includes wholly owned facilities in Lanaken, Belgium, and Narrows, Virginia, USA, as well as the company’s acetate tow joint venture facilities in China. Celanese expects to operate its acetate tow unit in Ocotlán through the fourth quarter of 2018 to ensure a smooth closure process.

Key products manufactured at the Ocotlán plant include cellulose acetate flake and filter tow. The plant’s nameplate capacity is approximately 20,000 tons of acetate tow and 52,000 tons of acetate flake. The acetate flake operation, which employs more than 200 employees at the Ocotlán site, remains unaffected by these actions.

About Celanese

Celanese Corporation is a global technology leader in the production of differentiated chemistry solutions and specialty materials used in most major industries and consumer applications. Our businesses use the full breadth of Celanese's global chemistry, technology and commercial expertise to create value for our customers, employees, shareholders and the corporation. As we partner with our customers to solve their most critical business needs, we strive to make a positive impact on our communities and the world through The Celanese Foundation. Based in Dallas, Celanese employs approximately 7,700 employees worldwide and had 2017 net sales of $6.1 billion. For more information about Celanese Corporation and its product offerings, visit www.celanese.com or our blog at www.celaneseblog.com.

All registered trademarks are owned by Celanese International Corporation or its affiliates.

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