[ACCESSWIRE]
ZURICH / ACCESSWIRE / October 18, 2017 / The FoamPartner business unit of Conzzeta has largely completed its extensive precautions and chemical analyses at the sites affected by the defective raw material deliveries. Most of the chemical samples did not exceed thresholds, indicating that there are no health risks. Foam production has been resumed at the Wolfhausen location, and processing is also expected to be fully operational again by 19 October 2017.
At the Wolfhausen location, which was particularly affected, the measurement of the product contamination carried out by an external testing laboratory showed that the thresholds were not exceeded in over 80% of more than 100 tested samples. However, higher levels were recorded in 20 samples. FoamPartner is informing affected customers and advises isolating the defective goods (unprocessed foams, partly finished products). In the case of workplace air measurements, no concentration of pollutants exceeding the thresholds could be detected, meaning that the temporary suspension of production imposed on 6 October 2017 can be lifted.
FoamPartner and other European foam manufacturers had been informed on 5 October 2017 by their supplier BASF that toluene diisocyanate (TDI) contaminated with dichlorobenzene (DCB) had been delivered between 25 August and 29 September 2017. Following this initial disclosure, BASF continuously communicated further information on the risks to health, the environment, and safety. This information was taken into account by FoamPartner in determining its measures to deal with the incident. BASF's current recommendations regarding the measuring methods to be applied are in line with the precautions and methods of analysis initiated promptly by FoamPartner at an early stage.
BASF announced on 11 October 2017 that it would take back the contaminated material and the major part of products manufactured with it. The unused stocks of TDI as well as the products already manufactured at the affected FoamPartner locations were isolated and prepared to be taken back by BASF. Specific questions in connection with BASF's take-back of products that have already been delivered to the retail chain remain to be clarified. Conzzeta understands that, as the polluted substances and products are being taken back, all direct costs incurred will be borne by the manufacturer. It is not yet possible to provide a comprehensive assessment of the damage suffered, including any indirect consequences.
Current information for customers as well as interested media outlets is being published by FoamPartner on an ongoing basis at www.foampartner.com.
For queries and further information, please contact:
Michael Stäheli, Head Investor Relations & Corporate Communications;
Phone +41 44 468 24 49; [email protected]
About Conzzeta
Conzzeta is a broadly diversified Swiss group of companies. It stands for innovation, reliability and a long-term perspective. Conzzeta constantly strives to be the leader in its target markets, with above-average growth and sustainable value creation. More than 4,600 employees at over 60 locations worldwide are dedicated to offering customers innovative solutions for sheet metal processing, sporting goods, foams, graphic coatings and glass processing. Conzzeta is listed on SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX:CON).
SOURCE: Conzzeta
