19 July 2006

INEOS CHLORVINYLS WELCOMES ROYAL VISITOR TO RUNCORN SITE

HIS Royal Highness The Duke of York visited one of Halton's leading companies today to see first hand a multi-million pound investment they have made in the Borough.

Chemical manufacturer INEOS ChlorVinyls welcomed HRH to its Runcorn manufacturing complex, which produces essential chemical raw materials for use by industry around the world.

HRH was given a briefing about INEOS ChlorVinyls followed by a tour of the Company's new investments at Runcorn Site, which are at the heart of Project Genesis, a £390 million modernisation programme being carried out at the site.

Project Genesis is one of the largest capital investments made by INEOS to-date, and is a new beginning for manufacturing at Runcorn Site. In just two years, the project has delivered a new state-of-the-art chlorine cellroom using environmentally friendly technology, a new steam generating boiler plant, and a fully centralised control room - all of which will underpin the competitive cost base of Runcorn Site and secure the long-term future of INEOS Chlor-Vinyls.

HRH is the Special Representative for International Trade & Investment; the Government body that supports UK companies trading internationally and encourages foreign investment. In this role HRH undertakes a wide range of official activities, including visits overseas in support of the UK's investment priorities; leading trade missions; and conducting business-focused tours across the UK.

Also in attendance at the visit were HM Lord Lieutenant for Cheshire, the Lord Mayor and Mayoress of Halton, representatives of Halton Borough Council, members of a Japanese Trade Mission, employees, and a representative of the INEOS Site Community Forum.

Comments Tom Crotty, INEOS ChlorVinyls Chairman: "We are delighted that His Royal Highness accepted our invitation to visit Runcorn Site. We are extremely proud of the achievements we have made over the past two years to modernise our operations at Runcorn Site, and this visit recognises the important contribution our business makes to the UK economy.

"We have taken this opportunity to promote Runcorn Site as a centre of manufacturing excellence, and to highlight the significant number of jobs across UK manufacturing that directly and indirectly depend upon the chemicals we produce. Our new boiler plant and chlorine cellroom put us in an excellent position from which to further develop Runcorn Site as a world class manufacturing facility."

The Mayor of Halton, Cllr John Swain, comments: "We are proud to welcome HRH the Duke of York to Halton. The Borough has many advantages that make it an ideal location for business, and this visit affirms Halton's status as a place where leading companies, such as INEOS ChlorVinyls, choose to invest."

ENDS

For further information please contact the INEOS ChlorVinyls Press Office:

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