HUNT VALLEY, MD – Cristal Global announced that it will cease base pigment manufacturing at its Hawkins Point Plant in Baltimore, MD.

The plant was idled in March 2009 as a result of the severe economic downturn. Despite recently improved demand for titanium dioxide, the long-term outlook for the facility remains unfavorable. However, while base pigment production will formally end, the company will continue to study all possible options for continued manufacturing activity at the site.

“We are able to manufacture the products made at this facility at our other, lower cost sites,” said John Hall, Senior Vice-President, Strategy and Development. “This was a difficult decision, but after a thorough review of options, there was really no choice but to discontinue base pigment manufacturing permanently at this location.”