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The article reports that Kemira is investing €4.9 million in a project to boost calcium sulfate pigment capacity at its paper pigment plant in Siilinjärvi, Finland. Kemira explains that new calcium sulfate crystallization technology is opening up export markets from Finland to the paper industry in continental Europe and in Scandinavia. According to the Freedonia Group, the demand for pigments in the paper and paperboard market is expected to grow 1.9%/year.

The article reports on the increase in the profit of chemical company Lanxess for the third-quarter of 2005. Lanxess posted a 41 percent increase in third-quarter earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (Ebitda). The company consists of Bayer's former Bayer Chemicals unit, including operations in leather, textile, and paper chemicals. Lanxess has agreed to invest in Saltigo by 2007. The restructuring plans for the fine chemicals business include a headcount reduction of 500 as well as some plant closures.

The article reports that specialty chemical company BASF plans to invest 197 million dollars to build a manufacturing site at Dahej, India, which will include production facilities for polyurethanes (PU), polymer dispersions for coatings and paper, and personal care chemicals.

Reports on the plan of Eka Chemicals, the pulp and paper division of Akzo Nobel, to build a chemical plant in Brazil. Location of the plant; Amount of investment Eka Chemicals will put for the building of the plant; Information on a deal made by the company as of Augsut 20, 2003.

Reports on the total investment needed by Yule Catto for its capacity expansions. Why the company has largely withdrawn from the paper latex business; Plan of the company for its alkyd and polyester resins plant at Kluang, Malaysia by third-quarter of 2001.

Reports that Moody's Investors Service Inc. has confirmed Solutia Incorporated's investment-grade ratings of Baa2 for its long-term debt and Prime-2 for its commercial paper, following Solutia's acquisition of Vianova resins. Cost of acquiring Vianova; Result of the purchase; Comments from analyst Joseph Princiotta.