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Koppers Looks To Future
Growth Opportunities
May 19, 1998, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — "Koppers
is on track to become a billion dollar a year company," according
to Walter W. Turner, elected president, chief executive officer,
and a director in February.
"We are a global company," added Turner, "and
our recently completed acquisition of Koppers Australia was a key
element in
our increasing focus on the carbon materials business, both in
the Far East and Eastern Europe. We want to be recognized not just
as a supplier of carbon pitch, but as a producer of carbon products."
Last
month's acquisition of ITSCO (Industrial Track Supply Company)
of Alorton, Illinois, said Turner, "was another step in strengthening
our Railroad & Utility Products Division. The addition of ITSCO
provides Koppers with another opportunity to better serve our railroad
customers."
ITSCO manufactures specialty track hardware,
including track switches, and provides related services to the
railroad industry. "Combined
with our 13 crosstie treating plants, all located on major rail
lines, we will be able to deliver specialty track products to our
customers faster and at an attractive cost," noted Turner.
He also reported that the integration with Koppers
Australia is progressing well. "As we go forward as a unified global company," Turner
noted, "we will be focusing on a common strategy and direction."
With
its headquarters in Pittsburgh, Koppers operates 21 domestic
and 14 Australian and Pacific Rim facilities and serves European
markets through a join venture with operations in Denmark and
the
United Kingdom. On a combined basis, 1997 sales totaled almost
$680 million. Koppers is a leading integrated producer of carbon
compounds, chemicals, and treated wood products for use in a
variety of markets, including the chemical, railroad, utility,
wood preserving,
rubber, aluminum, and steel industries. |
