1 July 2005

INEOS CHLOR IS ONE OF THE UK'S TOP 100 COMPANIES

Runcorn based chemical manufacturer INEOS Chlor has been ranked as one of Britain's biggest private companies in a Sunday Times survey published last week.

The survey, produced in conjunction with management consultants KPMG, places INEOS Chlor 87th (compared to 93rd in 2004) in a list of 100 leading organisations, ahead of well-known companies such as Weetabix and Virgin Retail.

INEOS Chlor is one of Europe's largest producers of chlorine and caustic soda, achieving sales of around £386 million in 2004. The Company is currently undertaking a £390 million modernisation of its Runcorn plant, including a new chlorine cellroom using environmentally friendly technology.

Tom Crotty, CEO of INEOS Chlor commented: "We are delighted to be recognised as a key player in the chemical industry. Our products go into almost every application you can image from computers, mobile phone and fibre optics to medicines, blood bags and personal care products. We are making excellent progress with our investment at Runcorn, which will secure the long-term future of the site and those who work here."

INEOS Group, sister company to INEOS Chlor, is now Britain's largest privately owned chemicals company with 60 manufacturing sites in 16 countries and was ranked as the sixth (moving up from tenth) biggest private company with sales of £2,409 million in 2004.

ENDS

For further information please contact the INEOS Chlor Press Office:

Craig Welsh
Telephone: 01928 511528
Fax: 01928 569459
Email: craig.welsh@ineoschlor.com