PPG's Lake Charles, La., Plant Now Powering Basic Infrastructure; No Timetable for Resumption of Production

PITTSBURGH--Sept. 30, 2005--Employees at PPG Industries' Lake Charles, La., chemicals complex restored power today, enabling the chlor-alkali facility to generate the minimum amount of electricity needed for the plant's basic infrastructure.

"This is an important first step, and a significant accomplishment," said Kevin Sullivan, senior vice president, chemicals. "However, we still have a lot of work ahead of us."

Sullivan said the company remains uncertain when production will resume in the wake of Hurricane Rita, which forced the plant to shut down last Thursday as the Category 3 storm neared southwestern Louisiana. Sullivan said employees are now able to make a more detailed assessment of their ability to restore operations.

The Lake Charles complex generates virtually all its own power for the manufacture of chlorine, caustic soda and derivative products. The plant also makes amorphous precipitated silicas.

Pittsburgh-based PPG is a world leader in production of chlorine, caustic soda and related chemicals for use in chemical manufacturing, pulp and paper production, water treatment, plastics production and many other products. The company also produces specialty chemicals as well as coatings, glass and fiber glass for global markets. Sales were $9.5 billion in 2004.