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The article discusses political and economic issues concerning Western Australia (WA) from July to December 2018. Topics explored include the impact of the resignation of Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on the region, the economic recovery and favorable economic forecast offered by the WA Department of Treasury for the region, and the expected number of jobs which may be expected from the processing plant construction project of lithium miner Albemarle Corporation near Bunbury.

The article discusses a court case wherein the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit employed English law as to the choice of parties on law provision to pursue the forum selection clause in the English High Court but the court stated that forum selection clause enforcement was not an unreasonable public policy violation. In the case Albemarle Corp. v. AstraZeneca UK Ltd., a purchase contract was made by AstraZeneca with Albermarle for 80% of di-sopropyl-phenol (DIP) for the production of the drug Didprivan at their England plant.

Flame retardant producer Albemarle Corp is discontinuing production of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD)-based flame retardants in order to focus on supplying its GreenCrest-branded polymeric fire safety solutions. GreenCrest, which is based on technology licensed from Dow Global Technologies LLC [ ADPO , June 2012], is considered a ‘sustainable alternative’ to HBCD for use in expanded (EPS) and extruded (XPS) polystyrene foam applications. The company says it will continue to support its HBCD customers in accordance with contractual obligations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Albemarle Corp has sold its mineral flame retardants and speciality chemicals businesses to Huber Engineered Materials (HEM), a division of J.M. Huber Corp and a leading global manufacturer of flame retardant additives. The transaction includes Albemarle's Martinswerk GmbH subsidiary and manufacturing facility located in Bergheim, Germany, and its associated 50% ownership interest in Magnifin Magnesiaprodukte GmbH, a joint venture with RHI AG at Breitenau, Austria. Albemarle acquired both businesses in 2001 [ ADPO , May 2001]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

US-based speciality chemicals firm Albemarle Corp has announced that it is streamlining its portfolio of mineral flame retardant products and refocusing its efforts and resources on further development and growth of key product grades. The company says that these changes support the evolution of the global mineral flame retardant market and allow it to place greater emphasis on innovation for technologies designed to meet the future needs of customers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For full year 2014, Albemarle Corp posted net sales of US$2.45 billion, up 2% versus $2.39 billion in 2013. Strong demand in the company's Catalyst Solutions segment was partly offset by lower volumes and pricing in Performance Chemicals and unfavourable currency exchange effects. Adjusted EBITDA grew 1% to $562 million. However, net income attributable to the company fell heavily by 68% to $133.3 million in 2014, compared with $413.2 million the previous year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the USA, Albemarle Corp and Rockwood Holdings plan to create a new speciality chemicals company under a merger agreement that will see Albemarle acquire all outstanding shares of Rockwood in a cash and stock transaction valued at around US$6.2 billion. The completion of the deal will result in Rockwood shareholders owning approximately 30% of the combined company while Albemarle shareholders will own around 70%. The new entity will have market-leading positions across four high-margin businesses: lithium, catalysts, bromine and surface treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

US-based Albemarle Corp reported first quarter 2014 earnings attributable to the company of US$56.6 million, compared to 1Q 2013 earnings of $84.0 million. Excluding special and non-operating items, 1Q 2014 earnings were $76.7 million compared to $82.7 million a year earlier. The company reported net sales of $656.7 million in 1Q 2014, up 2.3% from net sales of $641.6 million in 1Q 2013, driven mainly by higher volumes in both operating segments partly offset by lower pricing in Performance Chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For full year 2013, Albemarle Corp reported earnings of US$413.2 million, up 32.6% compared with $311.5 million in 2012. Excluding special and non-operating items, earnings for 2013 were $342.3 million compared with $436.2 million the previous year. Net sales for 2013 were $2.62 billion, down almost 5% from $2.75 billion in 2012, driven by lower metals surcharges, the company's exit from its phosphorus flame retardants business [ADPO, July 2012] and pricing on certain products, partly offset by higher sales volumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the second quarter of 2013, Albemarle Corp reported earnings of US$82.7 million, compared to 2Q 2012 earnings of $50.1 million. Excluding special items and non-operating pension and other post-employment benefits, 2Q 2013 earnings were $81.8 million, compared to $115.3 million for the same quarter of 2012. The company posted net sales of $634.2 million in 2Q 2013, down 7.4% from net sales of $684.9 million in the second quarter of the previous year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

US firm Albemarle Corp is joining forces with bauxite and alumina producer Senze Meilu Co, of Shanxi, China, to establish a joint venture (JV) company – Albemarle Senze Chemicals (Shanxi) Co, Ltd – in Lvliang, Shanxi. Once the final approval from the relevant government authorities in China has been received, the JV will build and operate a new 50 000 tonnes/year facility to manufacture Martinal® fine precipitated alumina trihydrate (ATH) flame retardants. These products are based on proprietary Albemarle technology and are principally used in wire and cable applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first quarter of 2013, Albemarle Corp reported earnings of US$84.0 million compared to 1Q 2012 earnings of $114.3 million. Excluding non-operating items, 1Q 2013 earnings were $82.7 million compared to $112.6 million for 2012. Net sales fell from $711.7 million in 1Q 2012 to $641.6 million for the comparable quarter this year as a result of the company's exit from the phosphorus flame retardants business [ADPO, July 2012], lower metals surcharges and pricing on certain products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the expansion activities of several contract services companies in the active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) manufacturing sector. Topics include the Cambridge Major Laboratories Inc.'s (CML's) expansion at its API plant in Wisconsin, Albemarle Fine Chemistry Services' expansion at its site in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, and the expansion of high potency API (HPAPI) manufacturing facilities by Novasep at its site in Le Mans, France.

For full-year 2012, Albemarle Corp reported earnings of US$311.5 million on net sales of $2.7 billion. In 2011 earnings were $392.1 million on net sales of $2.9 billion. The majority of the reduction in sales and earnings was caused by lower metals surcharges in the Catalysts segment, the company says. Excluding special items, earnings for 2012 were $436.2 million compared to $446.3 million for 2011. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Speciality chemicals producer Albemarle Corp is planning to exit its existing phosphorus flame retardants (FRs) business in order to ‘restructure its business portfolio and address underperforming assets’. The company currently manufactures these phosphorus-based products at its sites in Avonmouth, UK, and Nanjing, China. The news follows closely after the announcement that PolyOne is investing in new polymeric FR technology [ADPO, June 2012]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the fourth quarter of 2011, Albemarle Corp posted earnings of US$99.4 million compared to 4Q 2010 earnings of $85.0 million. The company reported net sales of $707.4 million in 4Q 2011, up 17% compared to net sales of $605.0 million in the same quarter of 2010. The company says these figures represent the best fourth-quarter earnings performance in its history, and the ninth consecutive quarter of growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In Louisiana, a collaboration between researchers from Albemarle Corp, Louisiana State University (LSU) and the Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices (CAMD) has led to innovative new methods that will increase 3-D visualization of flame retardant and synergist components using element-specific X-ray tomography. According to the team, their study shows that it is possible to visualize key polymer additives in 3-D without damage to the polymer or test sample, which will aid future advances in fire safety solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Albemarle Corp reported fourth quarter 2010 earnings of US$85.0 million, up 35% compared to 4Q 2009 earnings of $62.3 million. EBITDA for the quarter was $140 million. The company posted net sales of $605.0 million in the final quarter of 2010, its best quarterly sales performance for the year and an increase of 8% compared to net sales of $558.2 million in 4Q 2009. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers views from fine and specialty chemical suppliers on the performance of the chemical industry sector in the U.S. According to Albemarle Corp.'s director of fine chemical services David DeCuir, the company had seen a record high for its profits in 2010 and it is actively looking for acquisitions probably outside the U.S. Jan Ramakers of Fine Chemicals Consulting Group states that there are trends within the pharmaceutical industry that could have a major effect on the sector.

Louisiana-based Albemarle Corp reported third quarter 2010 earnings of US$93.7 million, compared to 3Q 2009 earnings of $52.1 million. Net sales for the 2010 quarter were $585 million, up 14% from net sales of $515 million for the same period in 2009. Earnings for the nine months ended 30 September 2010 were $238.7 million on net sales of $1.76 billion, compared to earnings of $116.0 million on net sales of $1.45 billion for the same period in 2009. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Louisiana-based speciality chemicals producer Albemarle Corp is introducing Ethacure® 90, a new polymer chain extender that greatly improves the processing capability of polyurea and polyurethane spray elastomer coating systems used in applications such as truck bed liners, concrete and steel coatings, potable water systems and industrial coatings. Final review by the US Environmental Protection Agency is complete and commercial sales will begin in November 2010. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global speciality chemicals firm Albemarle Corp has opened a global shared services centre in Budapest, Hungary. Known as Albemarle''s Center of Excellence (ACE), the facility was developed as part of the ‘Project One Albemarle’ initiative designed to standardize and streamline the company''s global processes. Albemarle says the result will be one automated, scalable global platform for its business, which will reduce costs, improve productivity and better support long-term growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the first quarter of 2010, Louisiana-based Albemarle Corp posted record earnings of US$67.9 million, excluding special items, on net sales of $580.3 million, up 19.3% compared to $486.6 million in 1Q 2009. Including special items, net income was $63.3 million, compared to $25.4 million in 1Q 2009. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

For the quarter ended 31 December 2009, Albemarle Corp posted net income of US$62.3 million on net sales of $558.2 million compared to net income of $13.1 million on net sales of $517.7 million for the same period in 2008. Excluding special items and one-time tax benefits, 4Q 2009 earnings were $58.7 million, up 54% year over year and 12% sequentially, the company says. All segments experienced growth in both income and margin for the quarter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the USA, Chemtura Corp and Albemarle Corp have entered into a series of strategic agreements. These include a long-term strategic sourcing agreement concerning several flame retardants and bromine derivatives, and the settlement of ongoing decabromodiphenyl ethane and bromine litigation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As a result of negotiations with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), several major manufacturers of flame retardants have announced that they will progressively phase out decabromodiphenyl ether (deca-BDE) in the US marketplace. According to the EPA, manufacturers including Chemtura Corp, Albemarle Corp and ICL Industrial Products (ICL-IP) have voluntarily committed to phase out deca-BDE from most uses in the USA by 31 December 2012, and to end all uses by the end of 2013. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Albemarle Corp posted full-year 2015 earnings of US$334.9 million on net sales of $3.65 billion. This compares to earnings of $133.3 million on net sales of $2.45 billion in 2014. The increase in annual sales was driven primarily by the acquisition of Rockwood, partly offset by the impact of lower sales volumes, unfavourable price and mix impacts in certain businesses, and unfavourable currency exchange impacts, the company reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Albemarle Corp reported second quarter 2009 earnings of US$38.5 million on net sales totalling $445.3 million, compared to 2Q 2008 earnings of $61.7 million on net sales of $620.8 million. The 2Q 2009 earnings figure includes a $12.4 million pre-tax special item charge related to the 2008 divestiture of the company'' s Port de Bouc facility in France and a $9.2 million one-time benefit due mainly to a US tax issue settlement. Earnings for the first half of 2009 were $63.9 million compared to $124.9 million for 1H 2008. Net sales for 1H 2009 were $931.9 million compared to $1.29 billion for the same period in 2008. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Albemarle Corp posted record annual net sales of US$2.5 billion in 2008, up 6% compared to 2007. However, 4Q net sales of $517.7 million were down 14% compared to $599.2 million for the same period a year earlier, with the polymer additives segment showing a particularly sharp decline in both sales and operating profit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In addition to Chemtura, Albemarle, Arkema (pp. 5–8) and BASF [ ADPO , January 2009], a number of other manufacturers of polymer additives and colorants have been forced to introduce similar cost-cutting measures in response to the global economic crisis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In response to the ‘challenges’ of the worsening global economic environment in recent months, Louisiana-based Albemarle Corp is taking steps to reduce costs, conserve cash and adjust the position of the company. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Albemarle Corp (www.albemarle.com) raised the global prices for most of its brominated flame retardants, effective from 15 September 2008, to help offset ‘continually escalating raw material, energy, freight and logistics costs’. Increases range from US$0.20/kg for Saytex RB-49 up to $0.50/kg for Saytex HP-7010 and HP-3010. From the same date, the company also raised the price of its Ethanox 330 polymer antioxidant by up to 50% worldwide. These and all subsequent price adjustments are subject to existing contracts and sales agreements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Major polymer stabilizer producer Albemarle Corp has completed its acquisition of 100% ownership of two polymer additive joint ventures in China: Ningbo Jinhai Albemarle Chemical & Industry Co, Ltd and Shanghai Jinhai Albemarle Fine Chemicals Co, Ltd. Both operations specialize in the manufacture and supply of polymer antioxidants and associated intermediates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Major global antioxidant supplier Albemarle Corp, headquartered in Richmond, VA, USA, plans to more than double the antioxidant production capacity of Shanghai Jinhai Albemarle Fine Chemicals Co, Ltd. The Shanghai operation is part of the so-called Jinhai Albemarle manufacturing joint venture in which Albemarle gained a majority ownership stake last year [ADPO, September 2007]. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this month''s round-up, leading flame retardants manufacturer Albemarle Corp (www.albemarle.com) is raising the global prices for the majority of its brominated flame retardants from 1 April 2008. Increases range from US$0.20/kg for Saytex® 102E and RB-49, to $0.60/kg for BT-93. Other Saytex products affected are CP-2000, 8010, 4010, HP-7010 and HP-3010. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

US flame retardants major Albemarle Corp is to open a new production unit in Nanjing, China, for one of its best-performing phosphorus-based products, NcendX® P-30. Operations at the new plant are scheduled to start in the second quarter of 2008. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Albemarle Corp, headquartered in Richmond, VA, USA, reported third quarter 2007 net income of US$59.1 million on net sales of $584 million. In 3Q 2006, net income was $2.3 million; however, excluding the charge related to the divestiture of the Thann facility in France, net income for the 2006 quarter was $60.7 million. 3Q net sales were down 4.1% year on year from $608 million in 3Q 2006. Strong performance in the Catalysts and Fine Chemicals business segments was offset by margin declines in Polymer Additives, the company says. R&D expenses in the third quarter increased $3.9 million, or 34%, from the same period last year. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

US-based flame retardant major Albemarle Corp is expanding production capacity for its Saytex® 8010 brominated flame retardant by almost 20% in order to meet increased demand. The expansion, which is underway at the company''s Magnolia, AR, facility, is expected to be complete in January 2008. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Albemarle Corp (www.albemarle.com) has made several changes to its senior leadership team in order to reinforce its efforts to expand existing businesses and target and develop potential new market opportunities worldwide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Reports on developments in the chemical industry in the U.S. Investment of a multimillion-dollar cost of Shintech Inc., subsidiary of Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd., to construct its first integrated polyvinyl chloride manufacturing facility; Inauguration of the research facility of the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Initiation of the new specialty zeolite facility of Albemarle Corp.'s Bayport complex.

Reports that Albemarle Corp. is set to close a deal by the end of 2004 through which it will acquire Akzo Nobel NV's catalyst business for around 750 million dollars in cash. Albemarle's intention to transfer its catalyst products into the business unit; Incorporation of polymer additives and flame retardants into the polymer chemical group.

Speciality chemicals manufacturer Albemarle Corp, a leading company in the development, production and marketing of flame retardants, reports continuing progress with the qualification and commercialization of its GreenCrest® polymeric fire safety solution [ ADPO , July 2012]. The company has also recently announced plans to relocate its corporate headquarters next summer from Louisiana to North Carolina in order to improve communications and collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first quarter of 2015, Albemarle Corp posted a 47% increase in net sales to US$884.4 million, from $599.8 million a year earlier, and a 95% increase in adjusted EBITDA to $265.6 million. These increases are primarily as a result of the $5.7 billion Rockwell acquisition, which was completed on 12 January 2015 [ ADPO , March 2015]. The company reports that integration of the acquired business is progressing well and that significant synergies in terms of cost savings have already been achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Albemarle Corp completed its acquisition of Rockwood Holdings, Inc on 12 January 2015, in accordance with the terms of the companies’ merger agreement announced last July [ ADPO , September 2014]. The transaction, valued at around US$6.2 billion, creates a premier speciality chemicals company with expanded customer reach and increased diversity across end markets, technologies and geographies. Operating under the Albemarle name, the new entity has market-leading positions across the high-margin lithium, catalyst, bromine and surface treatment businesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Albemarle Corp reported third quarter 2014 earnings of US$72.8 million, down 20% compared with 3Q 2013 earnings of $90.5 million. 3Q 2014 adjusted earnings were $89.5 million, compared with $88.9 million a year earlier. The company posted net sales of $642.4 million in the 2014 quarter, up 9% versus $591.2 million in 3Q 2013, driven mainly by higher volumes across Catalyst Solutions and bromine products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flame retardant manufacturers Albemarle Corp and ICL Industrial Products are planning to establish a joint venture for the production of their GreenCrest™ and FR-122P polymeric flame retardants. Based on technology licensed from Dow Chemical [ ADPO , March & June 2012], these products are designed as replacements for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). HBCD has been the leading flame retardant used in expanded and extruded polystyrene (EPS and XPS) foam applications, but is being phased out in the European Union (EU), Japan and other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, major antioxidant producer Albemarle Corp reports that it has completed the installation of a granulation and blending system at its Shanghai facility for the production of one-pack products. This addition supports the company's global growth initiatives by increasing capacity and adding extra product forms to the portfolio, Albemarle says. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]