BELTSVILLE, MD – Rockwood Holdings Inc. announced that its Color Pigments and Services business will build an advanced technology production facility in Augusta, GA, for the synthesis of iron oxide pigments. This $115 million investment will result in the first new iron oxide pigment production plant in the United States in nearly 35 years.

Commenting on the investment plans, Andrew M. Ross, President of Rockwood Performance Additives, said, "Rockwood is the only global iron oxide supplier with production capabilities in North America. We are making this investment in a new production facility in the U.S. to deploy significant recent advancements in our proven iron oxide pigment technology. This investment is further evidence of our commitment to strengthen regional manufacturing capability to support our customers.”

Rockwood expects this advanced technology facility to provide a consistent supply of the highest quality color pigments to North American customers, to strengthen customer service, and to reduce lead time and improve product development potential within the region.

Construction of the facility is expected to take place over the next 18 months, with commissioning targeted for the first half of 2013. The investment is expected to create 80 to 100 new jobs at the new facility. Following the completion of the new plant, Rockwood will close its St. Louis, MO, manufacturing facility and part of its Beltsville, MD, facility.