PITTSBURGH, Nov. 15, 2011 – PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG) today announced that it has declared force majeure for certain optical products as a result of the significant flooding in Thailand, which is impacting PPG’s optical products manufacturing and distribution operations. The decision was based on production suspensions at PPG’s Solarlens facilities in Bang Pa-In and Lat Krabang. While PPG’s Transitions Optical facility, located in Chon Buri, remains in operation, it has been adversely impacted by the curtailment of operations by several customers located in the flooded districts of Thailand.
“The significant flooding has severely affected our ability to provide products to our customers. This is due both to the direct impact on our facilities and certain disruptions in the optical supply chain,” said Richard C. Elias, PPG senior vice president, Optical and Specialty Materials. “We continue to monitor the situation, but unfortunately are unable to provide a timeframe of when we will be able to return to normal operations.”
Elias also stated that PPG extends its sincerest condolences to all those affected by the recent catastrophic flooding in Thailand. “We have numerous employees in the region, and are working diligently to ensure their safety and well-being,” he said. Elias said no PPG employees have been reported as injured.
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