Chemrez plants back in operation, says D&L

MANILA, Philippines - D&L Industries said all lines at the plant of wholly-owned unit Chemrez Inc. in Calle Industria, Bagumbayan are operating again except for one, which is still under regular maintenance.

This after the company suspended the plant’s operations after fumes spread out of the plant and caused unpleasant odor in the surrounding community.

D&L said this was caused by an exothermic reaction during polymerization.

As temperature and pressure increased in the tank, the relief valve was triggered, which released the fumes, D&L said

“This is the first incident of this nature in the plant’s 31-year history. The company’s facilities operate under strict conditions in compliance with standards and requirements of our customers, which are mostly multinational companies.

Further, the company implements an Integrated Management System (IMS) to ensure highest standards for product quality and care of customers, employees, and the environment,” the company said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange yesterday.

D&L said it would undertake preventive measures in response  to the recent events.

The company clarified that the suspension of the plant’s operations would not have a material impact on its sales.

As of the first nine months of the year, Chemrez Technologies contributed 33 percent and 32 percent to D&L’s  revenues and net income, respectively.

D&L is on track to hit its 2015 profit growth range of 15 percent to 18 percent.

A Filipino-owned company, D&L is engaged in product customization and specialization for the food, plastics, and aerosol industries.

The company’s principal business activities include manufacturing of customized food ingredients, specialty raw materials for plastics, and oleochemicals for personal and home care use.

Established in 1963, D&L has the largest market share in each of the industries it serves, as well as longstanding customer relationships with the Philippines’ leading consumer and chemical companies. It was listed on the PSE in December 2012.

The company derives bulk of its business from the food industry and the rest from supplying raw materials for the durable goods sector.