Document zzmvaZgqbp2RwvKVj62QoOBem

PROGRESS REPORT RECIPIENTS FROM: DATE: Wilbur C. Kolar August 20, 1985 SUBJECT: STAFF MEETING COMfENTS - AUGUST 19, 1985 PCJ WHC RDG HWH JFM RES RAK JRB CMS Condes has ordered second shipment of 500 tons of alumina. PPG*a LaPorte, Texas PVC catalyst Initiator business Is up for sale. Aberdeen had an external power failure -- had to kill 5 reactors -- no venting but some product degrada tion. No serious damage as result of hurricane In the Lake Charles plants. Monsanto's LAB plant Is down for 2-3 week turnaround. August earnings for alkylate are estimated to be about the same as latest reforecast; alcohols will be about $.2-.3MM lower. Have employed an expert In duty drawbacks. Average netback for August estimated at 21-21*sc/lb. Alkylate equivalent sales for August estimated at 24.5IW lbs. Other surfactant sales about at reforecast. Will try to get our alcohol prices up In 4th Quarter In South America, since the dollar has softened somewhat. The Chinese expressed interest in possibly licensing our novel ethoxylation technology. Wilbur C. Kolar WCKtdem 1 S f I A w? '.aiH i - .. V * f- * 1 t t VAB.0001181077 Interoffice TOt R. E. Ltlwkuhl FROM: DATE: R, D* Gamblln August 23, 1985 SUBJECT: PROGRESS REPORT--AUGUST 15, 1985 THROUGH AUGUST 21, 1985 ABERDEEN Safety - There were no injuries recorded for the reporting period* Realn Unit (A & BC Grade) Production Forecast MM Lbs, - Aug* Last 7 Days, M Lbs./C.D. Last 7 Days, X of Budget Current Rate, Z of Budget 1123 107 106 Budget Forecast 8/15/85 Forecast 8/22/85 32.4 30.5 32*5 Vinyl production for the week averaged U23M lbs./day. Downtine in the reactor area resulted from replacing 700 agitator seal, replacing 700 recovery valve, Incincerator mechanical problems and a fifty-minute power outage on 8/16. During the outage, five reactors had to be killed using the emergency AMS system. There were no VCM releases. Compound Unit (Customer Grade) Production Forecast MM Lbs. - Aug. Last 7 Days, M Lbs./C.D. Last 7 Days, X of Budget 169 Budget 4.6 110 Forecast 8/15/85 5.0 Forecast 8/22/85 5.0 Line I and Line III operated seven days averaging 6IM lbs./day and 108M lbs./day, respectively* Both compound lines ran well during the week with no major operating problems. Plasticiser Plasticiser operated five days averaging 39M lbs./day. Dry Blend Unit Production Forecast MM Lbs. - Aug. Last 7 Days, M Lbs./C.D* Lait 7 Days, X of Budget 121 Budget 4.8 75 Forecast 8/15/85 5.0 Forecast 8/22/85 4.5 Dry blend operated seven days during the week averaging 121M lbs./day. Production Included 5426-147, 140-158, 0180-104, 80273G, 186-7, 80174, 90171, 193-8, and 90172C. Production was hindered by the numerous product changes and other problems associated with production of colored RP products and other experimental dry blends. R. E. Lehmkuhl August 23, 1985 Page 2 OKLAHOMA CITY Safety - There was one first aid injury reported during this period. Current Last 7 Days Month-to-Date Budget Revised Target (08/19/85) Previous Month Year-to-Date PRODUCTION (5385-3 PVC Resin) MM Lbs. M Lbs./C.D.* t of Budget 4.443 12.802 20.000 18.000 15.703 224.683 0 741 674 0 115 104 * Per On-Stream Day Operatlone - The reactor stream factor was 68Z. Reactor downtime was due primarily to the plant shutting down on 8/20 for PVC and VCM Inventory control. Preparations are being made for plant start-up later today. At 18 batches/day, the August production target (18 MM lbs.) will be met by August 29. CarIon transfer during the 7-day reporting period was 2.48101 lbs. Month-to-date transfer is 6.63MM lbs* BALTIMORE Available Alkylates - M Lbs. N- 500 N-550L H-600L VISTA 7050 C-1012 8,711 4,197 1,513 1,457 22,117 Production for Week - M Lbs. H-500 Hydrotropes VISTA 7050 0 0 0 Safety - One injury requiring first aid treatment was reported during the period. Operations Alkylate Unit - The plant was down during the reporting period for the scheduled turnaround. Work is progressing on schedule, with start-up of the unit projected for August 29 as planned. Purchase of ourslde muriatic acid and plant Inventories were combined such that plant Inventories will be depleted upon start-up. Hydrotrope Unit - The unit was down during the reporting period for Inventory control. Start-up of the unit will occur Monday, 8/26, due to good sales the last two weeks* VAB.0001181078 i ... i*. R* E* Lehiikuhl August 23| 1985 Page 3 LAKE CHARLES LAB PLANT Safety - There were no injuries during the reporting period. Operations * The plant start-up and subsequent operations after the snutdown for the hurricane went smoothly* The Pacol Unit ran with an 63Z strewn factor during the week at an average conversion of 12.5Z. LAB Fractionation operated at a 79Z strewn factor producing N-600L at about a 483H pound per stream day rate. A product switch to N-550L will be wade on Sunday* 8/25* A 1.0MM lb. "Magnachea" shipment of N-600L la scheduled for lifting today. HAMHOND Safaty - Thera were no accidents or injuries reported this past week. Operations - Sulfonatlon was restarted Tuesday 8/20 and la running veil at good rates producing excellent quality SA-597. Sixteen tank trucks of all products shipped this week* six of were C-640A for Procter and Gaable. LAKE CHARLES CHEMICAL PLANT There were no Injuries during the reporting period. Ethylene Inventory MM Pounds No * 1 Done Ho* 2 Dome 35.194 4.056 Alualna Inventory Ml Pounds On-Spec Off-Spec 6.495 0.001 Nonal Paraffin Unit NPE Unit: Production - Last 7 Daya - Next 7 Days Inv.ntorlca - C1016 Paraffin - C1012 Paraffin - C1216 Paraffin 4.34 MM Lba. 3.70 MM Lbs. 7.04 Mf Lba. 10.97 Mf Lba. 3.63 MM Lbs. Kerosene: Consuaption - Refinery - High TNP 13,418 BPD 0 BPD * R. E. Lehakuhl Auguat 23* 1985 Page 4 Deliveries - Conoco - Citgo - Other PERIOD 46,436 BBLS. 38,787 BBLS. 0 BBLS. Inventories - Refinery - High TNP 60,068 BBLS. 7,588 BBLS. Feed was returned to the hydrotreater at 6:45 FH 8/15 after a temporary shutdown in preparation for Hurricane Danny. Charge to the Holex Unit Is 11*000 BFD for Inventory control. 102 D&E exchangers will return to service 8/23. The Splitter operated well this period at 2500 BFD charge. The "Magnachea" la due today for 31*2 bbls. of C1012 paraffin. The Solvent Unit Is operating well at 1500 BFD charge. Ethoxylatlon Unit Production: 0.258 MM Lbs. The unit was down aost of this period due to high Inventories. All shlpaents are current* Alcohol Unit The Alcohol Unit operated well at 180MH lba./yr. and produced 3.6MM lba* this period (7 days). tower aystea is In 1214 L0 operation ending 8/26* clean-up. equivalent rates The old utility followed by a 14 Production MM Pounds August Production Forecast August Production To Date August Production Balance 14*0 9,9 41 Alualna Unit The Alualna Unit operated veil this period and Is currently on a low HAG high Z A10^ run for Condea* There are 33 loaded railcars on the lease trace, 1 loaded railcar in plant, and 8 eapty railcars available for alualna service* Production MM Pounds August Production Forecast August Production To Date August Production Balance 2.58 1.85 0.73 \a s /'VAB.0001181079 R, E Lehmkuhl August 23, 1985 Pag 5 Ethylene Unit This Week Next Week Production, MM Lba./Day Ethane Feed, BPD 1*68 18,300 1*82 19,900 The unit ran well during the week. Production rates were increased as the VCH Plant began taking ethylene after their turnaround. The ethane feed fros Mt* Belvleu wee increased to reduce the Cities (Hackberry) feed rate to approximately 2000 BPD. The current done inventory la 39.3MM lbs* Methyl Chloride Unit Production - Last 7 Days - Next 7 Days 1.789 MM Lbs* 1.230 MM Lbs* The unit operated well this period at high HC1 charge rate from Olln. The Cooper compressor was returned to service 8/16. The new recycle compressor start-up is In progress. All shipments are current* LAKE CHARLES VCM PLANT Safety - There were no Injuries reported during the period* One first aid caae which occurred during the turnaround on 8/2 was reclassified as a medical treatment case* Operations - VCM production was resumed at 7 PM, 8/20, following the turnaround* Vinyl production was held at reduced rates for 12 hrs* to repair a leak in the Oxychlorlnatlon Ethylene Feed Preheater, H-308* Following repairs, the Oxychlorlnatlon Unit was started up on 8/21. The turnaround took 25+ days versus 23 days budgeted. Contributing to the overrun was Hurricane Danny and Increased maintenance due to the longer run length. Chlorine consumption averaged 212.7 T/D from the PPG pipeline* At these rates the plant was operating 159*3 T/D below balance* Present vinyl production la at I.75MM lbs./day* Rate Increases are in progress* The "Donau*1 arrived on 8/21 to lift 5150 MT to the Far East* R. 0. Ga.blln bh Att. 4- Week of 8/15//85 Thru 8/21/85 PRODUCTION SUMMARY (Ml Lbs.) Week No* 47 ABERDEEN Resin (A&BC) Grade Dry Blend Compound Plasticiser OKLAHOMA CITY Resin (A&BC Grade) BALTIMORE H-500 Hydrotropes LC-LAB N-550L. N-600L HAMMOND Actual Production 7.86 0.85 1.18 0.27 4.44 0.00 0.00 2.67 1985 Weekly* Standard 7.96 1.05 1.05 0.28 4.99 3.53 0.21 2.11 Weekly Average 7.88 1.00 1.04 0.28 Monthly Cumulative Thru 8/21/84 21.61 2.61 3.51 0.65 4.84 12.80 3.50 0.18 6.31 0.34 2.27 6.14 Sulfonic Acid C-550, C-560 1412-A 0.29 0.00 0.00 0.11 0.14 0.07 0.21 0.19 0.01 0.37 0.23 0.00 LCCP N-Paraffin Ethoxylates 618 Alcohol Alwlna Ethylene Methyl Chloride 4.34 0.26 3.65 0.59 11.78 1.79 5.12 0.70 4.22 0.74 11.99 1.63 5.07 3.77 0.71 10.51 1.45 14.30 9.92 1.85 33.23 LC-VCM VCM 1.24 12.85 12.96 1.24 Weekly Average Production Required to Meet 1985 Profit Objective. THRU 4TH QUARTER 1985 VAB.0001181080 To; Dave Kuhn Interoffice Communication From: D*t: Public Relations August 23, 1985 subject: Progress report for week ending August 23, 1985 Media contacts 1. Met with Susan Avery, Modern Plastics, and Rick Flamer for interview. Avery is working on a PVC resins article to appear in October. 2. Sent information on company and RAD to Louise Abercrombie, Ponca City Mama, which is planning a feature on Vista in the paper's October progress edition. 3. Sent background information to Jack Coffee, Columbus Commercial Dispatch, in preparation for his interview with John'Friend. Article is being prepared on chemical industry in area around Columbus. 4. Clarke Bird, Plastics World, called for August PVC price information. General 1. Completed ChenMews 85/5 and sent it to the printer. Offer of employment to Chris Bocman, who will be new editor, replacing Ava Hussse, was accepted. Bozman will report September 3. 2. Met with VickieSalameh, Employee Relations, to plan benefits communication over next several months. 3. Met with Bob Dale and Bob Lemons to discuss possibilities for product and plant display in Tinberway headquarters. 4. Worked with Dave Bartlett on preparation of recruiting materials for use by manufacturing, marketing, SAT, engineering and RAD. Materials should be completed by end of the month. 5. Updated text of training manual for Tom Butler. 6. Prepared overheads for speech by Jim Carter, Employee Relations. 7. Worked with Tom Grumbles, Darwin Phillips, Roscoe Cooley, John Levardson and Xerox Corporation to see if Xerox Star system could be used to produce drumming labels. Problem of smearing ink has been turned over to Xerox lab in Rochester, N.Y. Separate inquiry proceeding on whether Star could operate separate printer, if laser printer won't print labels. 8. Offer of Assistant Public Relations Specialist position to Diana Mendoza, Marketing Administration, was accepted. The position will assist other departments in the production of printed documents and visuals. She will report as soon as her present position can be filled. 9. Continued work on Vista Yearbook, now scheduled for completion in mid-September. 10. Updating of emergency communication manual continues. Should be completed by mid-September. ccsMSR, JER .0001181081 % TO: J. R. Ball FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: R. M. Lamons August 23, 1985 PROGRESS REPORT ENDING Product Listing Brochure - Have received comaients froei Marketing and Product Managers. In the process of adapting new copy to the space available. Hope to turn over to Marschalk today. 1986 Pocket Calendars -- Deadline for placing the verbal order Is today. Still haven't received verification of quantities from all parties. Hill expedite by telephone so that we can make the early production run (for delivery the first week in October). Solvents Research - Met with Thomas Research on August 19 to explore possibility of research to determine market potential and buying factors for Vista solvents. They will prepare a proposal for Market Development within two weeks. Specialty Advertising - Met with Darwin Phillips and Irene Sears on August 22 to review current specialty advertising items. A decision had previously been made to drop some items due to low usage. Several others might be upgraded or dropped. Field Marketing will be surveyed on these items* as well as several new items for possible inclusion in the standard offering. Darwin is investigating the purchase of higher quality items In several cases (e.g. Cross pen sets). Product Display - Met with Bob Dale and Mike Reynolds on August 20 to discuss a possible display for employees and Timberway visitors showing Vista products and production facilities. Also met with a tradeshow display company (3D+) on August 21 to make a preliminary Investigation of costs. Will have a "ballpark" estimate within several days. Folon Display - Also discussed with 3D+ the sale or rental of our old display originally built to exhibit the original four Folon paintings. This display is in good condition* but is no longer of value to Vista. 3D+ will begin seeking a buyer for us. Bob Lamons /naf h VAB.0001181082 ! lb: J. D * Burns From: Mary Ann Fisher August 23, 1985 PROGRESS REPORT - LEGAL DEPARTMENT 1. Reviewed and outlined latest revisions to the amendments to the Credit Agreements regarding the Trade Credit Support Agreement and distributed to Treasury and Controllers for cownents * 2. Discussed employee problem with S & T and recovnended course of action* 3* Drafted Minutes of the Polymers Board of Directors meet* ings* 4. Reviewed status of Brady Watson litigation and drafted letter to outside counsel re filing Motion for Summary Judgment* 5. Reviewed basic format of olefins license agreement which Lummus proposes to use In license proposal to Czechoslovakia, and advised Engineering. 6. Researched antitrust laws and advised Vista management concerning the extent to which territorial limitations may ^ \ he used in overseas license agreements. J7. Met with representatives from Accounting, S & T, Tax and j/ Treasury to review aspects of trip leasing company*owned vehicles, as well as the longer term possibility of estab lishing a subsidiary company to conduct a contract carriage business under ICC regulations. 8. Analyzed and discussed with the business area the extensive comments received from Industrial Resins Malaysia (IRM) on our proposed VCM sales and terminal agreements. 9. Advised the Oklahoma City plant concerning the recent proposed revisions to the OSHA reportable workplace injury policy. 10* Assisted in preliminary negotiations with Conoco concerning the Aberdeen and Oklahoma City plants1 capital equipment proposals relating to the VCM litigation compliance plans* Reviewed and provided comments on the Oklahoma City plant draft compliance plan relating to the VCM litigation* 7 J. D. Burns August 23, 1985 Page 2 11* Met with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to discuss our request for a variance from the financial responsibility requirements relating to the Lake Charles Chemical Complex hazardous waste facilities. 12. Attended project meeting at the Lake Charles Chemical Complex concerning new wastewater regulations, incinerator permitting Issues and groundwater issues* 13* Traveled to Washington, D.C. with PVC Marketing and R&D to meet with Keller & Heckman regarding the development of a protocol for FDA approval of Vista resin. 14. Reviewed status of 601 Turbine with Insurance Department and Management* It was decided that legal would call insurance carrier to discuss status of the claim* The call will he made after first giving carrier an opportunity to comnunlcate with our broker. v 0001181083 To G* W. Inbody From: Dote: Subject D, H. Sanders August 23* 1985 PROCESS ENGINEERING REPORT FOR WEEK ENDING 8/23/85 PVC Plants - The revised Line V Class A design is being issued this week. A report was issued for the July blue-white dry blend test runs. Notes discussing the correlation work of ROL vs. boiling tine were issued to the plants for review. The Aberdeen Expansion reactors are correlated separately from the Oklahoma City reactors and the other Aberdeen reactors because of the different volumes and charge sixes. LCCP - The Clas6 "A" design for the Molex Sieve Test Bed was issued for plant review. The design allows for three test beds to be run in parallel, with one of the three beds being designated for Petresa's use. An economic evaluation of Roy Young's proposal to provide coaiputer control of the Ethylene Fractionator was issued for plant review. LCCP Cogeneration - Work continues on defining the economics of taking steam from the Nelson project. The next Management Commit tee meeting has been rescheduled for August 28th. LCVCM - We met with the plant to discuss the implications of and review possible technologies required to meet the newly proposed waste water effluent guidelines for toxic pollutants. Miscellaneous - Engineering will take over the lease of S&T's surplus displaywriter to provided needed word processing capabil ity. D. H. Sanders /la cc: CRD, JHM, JBC, DEM, PEL, EJM, PFF, RDM, RWC 053/PR 0 TO: G. W. Inbody From: Date: Ion Subject: PROJECTS J. E. Stoner August 23, 1985 GENERAL ENGINEERING REPORT FOR WEEK ENDING 8/23/85 Aberdeen - Compound Line One Modernization - Scheduled shipment of the Bolling mixer body remains September 6, 1985. Motor Control Centers are being witness tested this week in Wisconsin prior to shipment. Issued the proposed scopes of work associated with each basis of bids along with bid issue and contract award dates. Aberdeen - Line Five Operation - Final process design is to be issued August 23, 1985. AFE approval should be within two weeks. Aberdeen - Reactor Fireproofing - Met this week to discuss alternatives and establish an action plan. LAB -- HF Recovery Tank Sump - Awaiting plant approval of project. LAB - HF Regenerator Feed Preheat - Equipment has been purchased. Vendor approval drawings should be received in two weeks. LCCP - Methyl Chloride Pit - Design work is scheduled to be completed bv September 9, 1985. LCCP - TLE Project -- Met with Lummus 8/21/85 and approved general arrange ment drawings. Next project meeting is scheduled for September 4, 1985. LCCP - Truck Terminal Drainage - Design work is scheduled to be completed by the end of the month. F MAINTENANCE AND TECHNICAL SERVICES ^_______ _ ____________ _ Jess Sodowsky internally Inspected the new unit recovered VCM receiver at the Aberdeen Plant. Jess continues to work on the initial OKC PVC Plant pressure vessel certificate Inspection report which will need to be Issued to the State before Oct. 1. Technical assistance was provided to the LCVCM Plant on the design para meters of the S319 secondary purge knockout drum. Cindy Gross coordinated welding training for the LCCP. Lane Johnson is investigating the PPS4 (turnaround planning) program "bue" currently discovered by the LCCP. J. E. Stoner 068/JES VAB.0001181084 To: E. A. Vogelfanger From: Oa Sufajoci: Data Processing August 23, 1985 PROGRESS REPORT FOR WEEK ENDING AUGUST 23, 1985 L, R. Thurman reports: - COEDS - New developments In COEDS that will provide a comprehensive historical transaction data base Is nearing completion. We plan to have this mechanism fully tested and Installed for the beginning of fiscal year 1986. The intended use of the new data base will be to minimize the time and effort In providing ad hoc reports. Samuel W. Schmutz: - Attended Marketing's opening week of training In Ponca City In order to learn more about Vista's business. On the whole, my understanding the business was greatly benefited. - Data Processing Is continuing to evaluate the System 36. In order to get definitive answers, we will likely test one here on site for a period of two months. 9 VAB.0001181085 v 'W W. H. Chamberlain ilroffice immunkollon From; Dot*: Subject Fred J. Endelman and Howard L. Duckworth August 23, 1985 Progress Report Week Ending August 23, 1985 VIS1A KEROSENE The SOAP committee decided to Increase the operating rate for the paraffin unit to full rate in September due to Increased paraffin demand from LCLAB. I do not anticipate a problem In locating the required additional 90 M bbl on the spot market. NATURAL GAS Finally received a discount gas contract proposal from Mississippi Valley Gas for Aberdeen. The proposed purchase price Is $2.65 + $.65 transportation = $3.40/MMBtu, potentially effective August 1. An additional 15t reduction from a different supplier Is possible In the fourth quarter. We are evaluating MVG's proposal. We continue to experience difficulties with Conoco L6S In Interpreting our natural gas contracts. The latest disagreement Involves our transportation agreement wherein LGS operations maintains we must buy 2 Btu for every 1 we are transporting on a daily basis. We maintain this ratio applies only to preferential transport, e.g., during a curtailment, but there is no required ratio under ordinary circumstances. The result is we are well behind In our purchase commitment to May Petroleum, which is our low cost supplier. I have finally arranged a meeting next week with LGS management to review all of our current difficulties. 1-4 S4JL- Fred J. Endelman FJE/ks cc: J. A. DeBernardi G. W. Duchmann B. R. B. Meyer R. J. Andersen D. Tarantino P. T. Hitchcock E. L. Kleschnlck H. W. Hilgers L. W. J. B. Vogel R. P. L. Jemigan D. P. Carrico M. R. R. Smith H. J. Friend Files: 1.12.1 1.11.5 Bauer Ferrell Frlesner Kerlegon Flammer FJE15/85/191 16: W.H. Chamberlain From: Date; Subject: A.T. Trent August 23, 1985 PROGRESS REPORT WEEK ENDING AUGUST 23, 1985 CHLORINE - VCM PPG advised they will hold our Cl? price for the month of August at $115/ton. If September prices for PVC do not Improve, they will review our price relief request again and most probably will reduce it. Caustic soda prices continue to cause them problems In coverlno their ECU costs. ALUMINUM CHLORIDE Price negotiations have been completed with Vanchlor with the result being our price from them will be 2</lb lower than our contract price. They will supply us a truckload per month starting In September under this arrangement. Cost savings for FY1986 Is estimated to be $10,000. CHLORINE - BALTIMORE Rumors have It that Linden Chlorine and Plastics will shut down their Linden, N.J. plant September 1st, 1985. This will reduce chlorine capacity approximately 100 tons/day. The Linden plant Is primarily a KOH producing plant. Olamond Shamrock will produce KOH for LCP in the eastern region after the shut down. A.T. Trent ATT/cls ATT4/022 VAB.0001181086 m W. H. Chamberlain To: intoraMk* CoiniMtikoUon From: Data: Subfod: R. R. Smith August 23, 1985 WEEKLY PROGRESS REPORT, WEEK ENDING AUGUST 23. 1985 ALPHA OLEFINS We met with Ethyl Corporation this week to review Vista's requirement for heavier molecular weight alpha olefins. Ethyl has two alpha olefin streams which appear to meet Vlst'a potential need. C..- and C1fl-9. alpha olefins are readily available and Ethyl has the aBiffty to remove the alcohol content to the nil level at a cost of If to lit per pound. There Is a good probability that we will request samples of these streams. ALUMINUM POWDER Reynolds Aluminum agreed to FOB Lake Charles for all aluminum powder shipments to Lake Charles. Vista, effective September 1, will be responsible for all rail car and freight costs associated with the movement of powder from Louisville. Savings generated by these changes are approximately $62,000. per year. Congratulations to Supply and Transportation, Traffic, and Rail Groups, for their analysis which resulted In these savings to Vista. The average aluminum powder price for September will be 78.22t/1b. FOB Lake Charles. We were successful In getting sixty day terms on our ingot purchases in September. Cash flow savings are $4 M. ETHANE Spot prices for purity ethane at Mont Belvleu are now 22.25t per gallon. Activity is currently light In the market place and product availability appears to be good. We anticipate that the spot market price will continue to rise until the last half of September, at which point, we anticipate that it will fall back slightly. At the present time our third quarter closing Inventory is projected to be In the 150,000 barrel range. This precludes additional purchases this quarter unless we are offered a low price to move volumes, which may potentially occur in the mid to late September time frame. Our fourth quarter ethane supply plan will be issued next week for review. We are currently working with Shell, Exxon and Union Texas to affect an exchange in the third and fourth quarter between the three partners for approximately 50,000 barrels of product. Exxon has not, as yet, committed to the exchange. RRS5/85/015 I i Memo - W. H. Chamberlain August 23, 1985 Page 2 HF ACID We met with Allied Chemical this week to review deliveries of HF acid to our Lake Charles LAB plant. Environmental problems associated with Allied's first delivery earlier this year were reviewed. Allied has made changes In their Inspection program at their plant In the post loading of trucks. We asked Allied about the potential of an FOB Lake Charles delivery versus FOB Gelsmar delivery term. Allied indicated that for consideration of additional business, they would seriously consider altering their delivery terms to FOB Lake Charles. We plan to meet with DuPont in the near term to review freight charges and ask them to be competitive with Allied. If successful, this should save Vista approximately 4< per pound on shipments from DuPont. VCM We were unable to secure support from PPG for 5,000 metric tons of export PVC business In the fourth quarter. F We are currently working with BFG on the pay back of approximately 12.5 M/lbs. owed BFG by Vista. At the present time. It appears that we will load a vessel In the November time frame to pay this volume back. R. R. Smith RRS/nls '*** RRS5/85/015 V^.0001181087 '2 Ik W, H. Chamberlain R. J. Onofrey August 23, 1985 WEEKLY PROGRESS REPORT, WEEK ENDING AUGUST 23, 1985 EQUIPMENT MRO A SUPPLIES LAKE CHARLES CHEMICAL COMPLEX Negotiations have comnenced with Lonnie B. Boudreaux, Sales Manager, Trinity Pipe and Fitting, Inc. for the purpose of establishing MRO agreements to cover Vista's major requirements of stainless steel pine, valves and fittings, as well as B1-L0K tube fittings at the Lake Charles Chemical Complex. Negotiations are targeted for completion on 1 or before September 30, 1985. LCLAB - HEAT EXCHANGER Placed an order with Superior Hardsurfacing of Tulsa, OK. for one HF Regenerator Fuel Preheat Exchanger required at Vista's Lake Charles LAB facility. Cost of the exchanger (via competetlve bidding) Is $50,240.00 with delivery scheduled on or before December 13, 1985. RJO/nls I $-t RJ04/022 VAB.0001181088 I -i TO: H. H. Berat FROM: Vista Chemical Europe DATE: August 23, 1983 SUBJECT: VCE Progress Report Week Ending - 8/23/83 1. INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS YUGOSLAVIA, IPO, EDC/C2/VCM THE STARTUP OF THE VCM PLANT MIGHT BE DELAYED UNTIL THE END OF SEPTEMBER. HE HAVE BEEN REQUESTED TO MAKE AN OFFER FOR 3,000 MT FOR EARLY SEPTEMBER LOADING. SIX COMPANIES, INCLUDING VISTA, HILL BE INVITED TO TENDER FOR THE SECOND EDC CONTRACT COVERING 30,000 - 50,000 MT EDC. IPO IS ALSO INTERESTED IN DI5CUSSING SUPPLIES OF UP TO 24,000 MT OF ETHYLENE UITH VISTA. HE HOPE TO FIND BACKUP FOR THIS PRODUCT FROM SAUDI ARABIA OR LATIN AMERICA. SOUTH AFRICA. SOEKOR, ODC HE OFFERED 300,000 LITRES OF ODC TO SOEKOR, THE DRILLING UNIT OF THE NATIONAL OIL COMPANY. 2. SURFACTANT CHEMICALS USSR, ICD > N-PARAFFINS w M MM MM ICD INFORMED US THAT THE USSR HILL DECIDE BY THE END OF DECEMBER ABOUT THEIR 1S86 N-PARAFF1N PURCHASES HHICH ARE EXPEC1ED TO BE ABOUT 16,000 MT. 3. PLASTICS GENERAL IN THE WEST-EUROPEAN MARKET THERE IS NO SIGN YET OF EXPECTED PICKUP IN DEMAND AND THEREFORE THE ANNOUNCED PRICE INCREASES FOR SEPTEMBER ARE BECOMING MORE UNLIKELY. THE EXPORT MARKET IS ALSO QUIET WITH STABLE PRICES. SHIPPING REPORT ANTWERP SPAIN MONTH TO DATE 250 64 MONTH BUDGET MONTH FORECAST 1,500 770 1,000 64 * VCE Progress Report - Page 2 IRAQ, MAISON MATHIEU HE ARE STILL AWAITING CONFIRMATION OF OUTSTANDING OFFER. IVORY COAST, STPBMCI (S-SS/SQ) HE OFFERED 250 MT FOR SEPTEMBER SHIPMENT. TURKEY, AGRON KABLO <S-71) ME SO'.n 100 MT FOR SEPTEMBER DELIVERY AT AN ATTRACTIVE NETBACK. 4. SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION ttiI* T 9 r f 1 f p tWtfttWTtrvt + T 9 f t W r PVC m ** rfr ANTWERP EGYPT, S 68 WE DELIVERED 250 NT S~68 FOB ANTWERP FOR SHIPMENT TO EGYPT ON AUGUST 19. SPAIN PROMANUr CAMEROON S-630 WE SHIPPED 64 MT PVC S-630 ON AUGUST 19 ON THE H.S. HABFIL VCM ** pir ON AUGUST 23RD HE LOADED APPROXIMATELY 2,600 MT ON THE MS CALDERON IN ANTHERP FOR YUGOSLAVIA. VISTA CHEMICAL EUROPE A&OOOl 181089 & TOi G. G* Draper FROM: DATEi P. C. Govsnf B E, A. Larsen August 23* 1985 Interoffke CounmmIwHm SUBJECTi WEEKLY PROGRESS REPORT, SUPPLY AMD TRANSPORTATION CUSTOMER SERVICE Plastics -M LBS ORDERS TO DATE INVENTORY TO BATE INVENTORY ON 10/01/84 Rtiin Reain Carryover Dryblend Compound ToreInals Total Domestic Pounds Total Domestic R/E 37.667 2,463 4,024 3,888 4.190 52,232 50,395 11,929 (ABD) 12,643 2,210 (OKC) 3,925 2,181 8,444 2,100 26,864 23,333 2,806 8,904 2,168 29,816 26,057 Export Resin Export Dryblend Export Compound Total Export Poitnda Total Export 8/E 762 873 254 1,889 1,726 4,456 942 ---- --------- 5,398 5,332 857 169 174 1,200 1,119 TOTAL POUNDS TOTAL R/E 54,121 52,121 32,262 28,665 31,016 27,176 Availability of 5385 renalna tight, leading to a atrong posaibillty for carryover In Aberdeen. Ordera are not being switchsd to ORC until the potential for a large export order in early September la defined. NECO baa entered ordera for the new plug atock compounds, 26751 and 26931. S&T la working with Aberdeen to keep NECO advlaed of probable ahip datea. Induatrlal Chenicale Auguat HeCl ordera total 6.15 HM lbs, with 4.25 Ml lba ahlpped and 1.90 Ml lba pending. Ordera have been received from Jatco, Enenco, Union Carbide (Taft), and ICI. * m % 08/23/65 Page 2 HeCl INVENTORY (HM LBS) TANKS RAILCAR8 TOTAL Ae of 8/22/65 Ae of 8/15/85 As of 8/08/85 Ae of 8/01/85 Ae of 10/01/84 1.22 0.90 1.30 1.03 0.56 1.52 1.00 1.60 1.73 0.49 2.74 1.90 2.90 2.76 1.05 SOLEH ALUMINA INVENTORY (MM LBS IIAYES SILO LEASETRACK PROCESSOR TOTAL Aa of 08/22/85 As of 08/15/85 As of 08/08/85 As of 08/01/85 Ae of 10/01/84 3.62 3.78 3.78 3.74 1.84 1.84 1.84 2.18 0.64 0.33 0.47 0.57 6.12 6.30 5.94 5.94 0.32 0.54 0.54 0.54 12.54 12.79 12.57 12.97 8. BO Filtrol, Vernon, CA, haa informed ua that they do not want their final two Auguat hopper cara of alumina If PTV'a are 23 or greater. The flrat two Auguat ahlpmunta had PTV'a of 23 and 25, regpectlvely. Chevron'a current Inventory of alumina at the Elyria, Oil location la 1.08 MH lba - aix hopper cara down from seven. Surfactants Ik* Baltimore shutdown, muriatic acid shipments from coproducera have continued. Volumes have exceeded 20 M gallons per day, since all 22* tank trucks are also coming out of Standard Chlorine. We will essentially deplete the Baltimore inventory of 22* acid by Friday, as planned. All pending 22* shipments have been met, with the exception of Merck, Putney, 6A. Tills shipment lias been moved into eerly September. After railcar shipments, the remaining 20* inventory at Baltimore will be reserved for A. E. Staley. All shipments from co-producers will continue until sufficient Inventory is built at Baltimore. Liquor shipments have been low throughout the shutdown. Piedmont Labs, Inc. Inquired about purchasing LPA Solvent. Their annual volume requirement would be 450 M gallons. Marketing has been informed about'their request. The LPA Solvent barge will discharge at GATE, Argo, IL this weekend. The Whitaker barge will pick up on 8/25 or 8/26. Rohm and Haas has released the remaining cars of Alfol* 1620 alcohol placed on hold earlier this month. VAB.0001181090 08/23/85 Pag* 3 LOGISTICS International The "Columbus Louisiana" is sailing 8/22/85 froa New Orleans with 212 H lbs of 5385--1 Raain and 53 M lbs of 5305 Realn for Tecltnl--Chen/ JHI in New Zeeland. A 330 H lb 5385-1 Realn shipment for National Plastic in United Arab Emirates will ship aboard the "Barber Perseus" from New Orleans 8/24/85. We shipped 202.67 NT of Alfol* 10 to Uniroyal do Brasil on 8/18/85 via the "Qulnca". ETA Santoei 9/12/85. 5000 NT of VCM loaded on the "Donau" on 8/22/85. for Formosa Meet tea in Taiwan. Raw Material Product is headed VCM Inventories ae of 08/21/85t IN-PLANT --HM LBS------------------ IN-PLANT TARGET EH ROUTE IXVCH ABO 0KC 15.10 7.09 4.41 N/A 7.5 1 1.0 5.7 .7 N/A 4.6 0.71 Major Raw Material inventories are as followsi PRODUCTION/ CONSUMPTION N/A 1.12 0.79 Btkine (HM Gal) Karaaena (HH Gal) VCM (Mi LBS) RAIL OPERATIONS CURRENT 13.1 2.84 34.23 STANDARD 12.5 4.0 47 FV 1985 BEGINNING INVENTORY 16.1 4.1 59 Pleat utilization for the week was 54Z. Railcar availability la adequate to aaet production and sales requirements with the exception of the alkylate fleets. Tight railcar availability continues in the laltinore and Westlake alkylate fleets. No service disruptions have occurred. Rail Operations is continually monitoring these fleets in order to prevent all potential shipment delays. PVC plants currently have 140 empty cars on hand. Rail Operations subleased 3 hopper cars to PVC Container Corporation for 9450/car/ month for a term of 3 months. Net savings to Polymers is $3.7 M. . We are working with PVC Container Corporation to lease 2 additional cars under the same terms. * 08/23/85 Page 4 TRAFFIC The ICG, in conjunction with several other railroads, hava taken selective rate increases on VCM, PVC and other chemicals moving over fheir lines. This will not affect Vista, due to current contracts and routes we are using. The BN and G&H meet on 8/20/85 to discuss competitive access to our plant at Aberdeen, among other aubjects. The RN has offered the GAM very generous switching charges in order to haul our business. The CAM is to reepond to the BN's offer by 8/28/85. BN will let us know their answer. TRANSPORT AMP AUTOMOTIVE OPERATIONS Dana Page Joined Transport and Automotive Operations as an analyst, replacing R. J. Davis, who transferred. Plesee Join us In welcoming Dana to Transport Operations* The 1986 1st Quarter Capital Budget submittal has been completed and forwarded to 8 i T management for review. P C. Cowan, B. 8, A. Larsen .0001181091 i. FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION It, H* H. Berat * VCC Houston Page 1/2 From: Dak Sufatscfc M. J. Schneider - VCFE Tokyo August 23, 1985 (Rif. NO.851852) Prograss Report - Week Ending Augsut 23, 1985 I* Marketing Japan - we held discussions with Nagase/Nippon Nyukasai regarding further reductions in ALFOL 6 price* We are resisting, but will watch developments from Condea/MBK closely* 11s quoted New Japan Chemical on two (2) FCL ALFOL 10. October arrival. Seminars are scheduled for next week with K. L* Ms the son at HOF. Sanyo Chemicals. Teikofcu Kako, and Daiichi Kogyo * major surfactant producers in Japan* China * Chinese expressed interest in Novel ethoxyletion technology. Current consumption of slcohol ethoxylates in China is told approx* 30.000 MT. which mostly comes from Japan* Major purchase is the 9 mole G*0* adduct of Cl3-15 primary alcohol* Will actively pursue a new sales of ALFONIC/Novel ethoxylates* Will report in detail next week* Malaysia - negotiations continue with IRM for VCM sales and terminal agreements. IRM coements reported to Business Area. He expect to follow up next week after discussion with Mil. Australis - we quoted 300 MT ALFOL 1214GC to XCI, 250 MT ALFOL 1216-C0 to Albright A Wilson and FCL quantities of ALFOL 16F, 18F and 20+ alcohols. Singapore - we quoted FCL quantities for ALF0MIC 1012*60 and ALFOL 22+. He offered LCL volume of ALFOL SHF ex* Jepen* Taiwan - Mr. Gary Huang. VP, Cargile Co*, our agent in Taiwan, visited Tokyo to review VCM and ALFOL alcohol market situation. FFC is experiencing a slowdown in FVC demand and meeting their VCM requirements from internal production* 11. HT Preparations ars underway to receive the +MTH0BN+ cargoes in Yokohama 0500 KT) and Kobe <1000 MT). ETA is August 51 * September 2. He requested Houston SAT to fix charter for November arrival 450 MT ALFOL 10 alcohol and 300 MT ALFOL 6 alcohol* H* H. Beret August 23, 1985 (Ref. NO.851852) Page 2/2 111* Joint Ventures NNK - a meeting was held with Nissan and NKK management to review LAB industry rationalisation* Nissan submitted s detailed analysis and recommendations. Our report has baen issued to Houston. NNK is enjoying excellent business results for the four months thru July* Sales and earnings are well in front of last year's same period figures. Leading the advance is new business st Kao (Wakayama) and strong demand at FAG Far East. IV. Miscellaneous tfe are in process of finalising figures for FY1986 Budget* Regards, Mark J. Schneider VCFE, Tokyo MJS/KM/ky VAB.0001181092 TO: J. R. Ball IntoroMc* Cowwunkation FROM: DATE: R. A. Klein August 23, 1985 SUBJECT: SURFACTANTS PROGRESS REPORT VISI/ Performance Summary Shipped Plus Pending Orders (M Lbs.) Alcohol Total Plasticizer Total Other Alcohols Alkylates As Of 08/21/85 7,571 7,252 Budget 8,679 8,786 Reforecast 5,077 8,387 As Of 08/14/85 5,392 6,111 Current t Reforecast* 149 86 Total Alkylate Equiv. 23,941 24,271 25,533 17,742 94 Progress Summaries EASTERN REGION: ALKARIL. Winder, SA - Alkaril has purchased approximately 18,000 gallons of "slop" ethoxylate which was in storage at LCP at $0.12 per pound, delivered. They will be taking all the material that Vista produces in the future. ALCOLAC. Baltimore. MD - Alcolac reports that they are purchasing all of their lMH pound natural alcohol requirement from Henkel. It also appears that Henkel will be expanding their marketing efforts. Alcolac reported that Henkel has begun personnel additions. COURTNEY INDUSTRIES, Baltimore, MD - Courtney has had production problems with his new reaction line. He thus reports that his take of aluminum chloride liquor will remain at three to four tanktrunks per week for at least the next four weeks. CHURCH A DWIGHT, Princeton. NJ - They expect the proposal for 1986 pricing on LAB and 3-mole ethoxylate by early September. We have indicated that we are thinking about maintaining our current prices for next year. Also, they have (once again) expressed Interest In developing a light-duty liquid. C'I DUPONT DE NEMOURS, Wilmington. DE - Despite the current muriatic acid shortage, we were aole to provide them two extra railcars for this month. Congratulations to the business area and SAT for their quick and effective response. ROHM A HAAS, Philadelphia, PA - They have again released the four railcars of ALFOL 1620 alcohol they had placed on hold last week due to problems at their plant. We are expecting smooth sailing from now on. J. R. Ball Page 2 August 22, 1985 PROCTER & GAMBLE, Cincinnati, OH - Have awarded Vista 2.3MM pounds of SA-597 business. Deliveries should begin in one to two months. Will send samples of LAB to our LCLAB plant. They are having analytical discrepancies on chain length distribution at their Alexandria, Louisiana, plant. Will soon request samples of SA-697 for qualification in preparation of switching to sulfonic acid purchases later In the year. Have been alerted of the potential corrosiveness of C-640 slurry. Some tanks at Hammond have shown deterioration. LEVER DETERGENTS LIMITED. Toronto - Reports their sulfonation unit is working well, and have resumed purchases of LAB. LEVER BROTHERS - RAD, Edgewater. NJ - Report their LA plant will not be purchasing any nonionics for the remainder of 1985 due to spray tower revisions. LONZA INCORPORATED. Fair Lawn, NJ - Conversations with Charlie Galser, Vice President, Specialty Chemical Division of Lonza, Indicate that their alcohol sulfate markets are under pressure from their competition and margins are currently declining. They are beginning to rethink their previous position which was that they were in support of stable lauryl alcohol pricing for the alcohol sulfate market. They understand that if the alcohol price were to drop, it would create instability in the market, but they believe they would be successful In managing this instability. At least they state they are willing to take the risk. I would expect pressure from this account shortly for an alcohol price reduction. With respect to Lonza's amination markets, they are operating below their profit objective for calendar year 1985, but at approximately the same levels as 1984. They are experiencing price competition in the marketplace from Onyx Chemical. When questioned as to why 810 alcohol sales into the amination area were down, Gaiser did not know. His only comment was that sales were going as expected in that area and it was entirely possible that they had made other commitments with another supplier. We will be further exploring the 810 alcohol situation at Onyx. WITCO CHEMICAL, Oakland. NJ, Technical Center - A meeting was fiefi) with the Witco technical people regarding Vista 7050 specialty alkylate quality and Vista 7060L specialty alkylate. Witco has been concerned over the DPA content of Vista 7050 specialty alkylate and would like to set a specification of 17% max. We did not agree to the setting of a specification, but did agree to inform them and have discussions with them if the percentage of DPA in Vista 7050 specialty alkylate was going to exceed 17%. AB.0001181093 J. R. Ball Page 3 August 22, 1985 WITCO CHEMICAL, Oakland. NJ, Technical Center (cont'd.) - The reason for the concern over the DPA content of Vista's specialty alkylates is that a Witco additive package is not able to meet an Industry test, and they feel that if they are not able to meet this in the near future. It could seriously impact their sales. Potential reduction in demand for Vista 7050 specialty alkylate could be in the area of 302. Witco has made initial evaluations on the 852 distillation of Vista 160L specialty alkylate (N6LB). The initial evaluation looks good, and they are beginning to make plans for the purchase of Vista 160L specialty alkylate. MIDWEST REGION: MC KESSON CHEMICAL, Schaumburg, IL - has informed Sales that the recent shipments of flaked ALFOL 16 alcohol was shipped to Helene Curtis, and used in the final run of shampoo before switching to ALFOL 18 alcohol. McKesson has also ordered 34M lbs of ALFOL 18 alcohol. MONSANTO CORPORATION, St. Louis, MO - is currently turnaround that is scheduled to end the week Monsanto has forecasted 3 railcars of ALFOL 6 shipment during the second half of September. in a 5 week of 9/16/85. alcohol for EMERY INDUSTRIES. Cincinnati. OH - Samples of flaked cetyl alcohol are being prepared for Emery at Terr Chemical In Pass Christian, MS. When approved, Emery will market this material in the Southeastern States until their flaker is back on stream. Samples should be delivered by the first week in September. WESTERN REGION ARMOUR DIAL, Scottsdale, AZ - A tentative list of topics for a cooperative R&0 meeting has been reviewed by A/D and plans are proceeding for a firm date. STEPAN, Anaheim, CA - Anticipates 2 railcars per week of N-600L detergent alkylate for Lever's requirements. McKesson, Los Angeles, CA - The 1600 bags of "Contaminated" ALFOL 16F alcohol nas been reduced to 761 bags and this number Is expected to be reduced also. It appears that only bags with holes had any contamination. R. A. Klein Manager of Marketing Surfactants dkh f5 VA 01181094 t 0Sy20a5 V 14:35 R&D WEST NO. 009 002 To: R. A. Klein, Houston J. A. Hall, Houston (FAX) CMiMMMiksNwt From: Dote 0. C. Ksrfoot, Ponca City August 20, 1985 Svbtoct: Weakly Progress Report - Chemicals Research and Engineering Reaeerch Sections - Research and Development Department - Week Ending August 16, 198S SURFACTANTS 1. PAG'e analytical method for propylene glycol demonstrates some inconsistencies when analysing C-64QA. They are actively working to resolve this problem. In the interim, the PAG plant should not reject tank trucks for low propylene glycol. 2. Marvin Osborne and Morey Osborn met with Metalworking In Detroit to discuss status of N6LB sulfonatebased emulalfier* A sample of sulfonate will be provided from Ponca City to expedite approval, 3. Colgate's project looking at Alfonlc* 810-20 ES In shampoo now involves both basic research (optimising perforaance) and product development (formulating aesthetically accept able product) personnel. They have requested additional samples for viscosity studies. 4. A revised secrecy agreement between Vista and Dow Chemical has been sent for Dow approval. This agreement will permit Dow to disclose the technology behind the "self-building" surfactants they are developing, 3. Information on the stability of Alfonlc* 1412-60 NI has been sent to T. Padron, Lever. 6. A list of potential topics for an October cooperative research meeting has been sent to Armour-Dial. Information on the use of Alfol* alcohols and LPA in food--grade applications has been sent to C. P. McClain, Armour-Dial. 7. A tentative agenda has been established for September 3*s technical meeting with Texlse. 8. Laboratory studies suggest that short-chain nonlonica night be useful as addltivas (to promote soil removal) In cold-watsr detergency. 14:36 R&D tEST NO. 009 003 2 Weekly Progress Report - GRS/ERS August 20, 1985 Paga 2 9. A nesting was held with product management to review and sat the direction for further coal chemicals development work. Dauhnia manna (watar flea) cultures used In aquatic toxicity tasting have been obtained and will be maintained in our laboratory. 11. The Surfactants and Industrial Chamlcala Ovarviaw Technical Training Coursa was presented to about 24 attandaes. 12. A dlol treating raactor was started. A laboratory baa# cm le preceding work to change the chemistry In diol removal to lower nonalcohol content of Alfol* 1214 alcohol. 13. Conditions for use of Eurecat facilities for Pacol regeneration were checked. Attrition resistance of Pacol catalyst la excellent. Heating rapidly to 400C with programmed increase to 450-300C will be required to remove the carbon on the catalyst within 18 minutes1 residence time. j ,1. A second SS0 laboratory rssetor is ready for startup pending a aafatjr in*p*ctioiw A nickal mol catalyst will be co&pared on a cost parforunes basis to CALSICAT 230T nickal catalyst ($1.50/lb. v $8/lb.). 2. Dried neutral alumina sol (pH 4-6) is >99% add dispersi ble. LCCP la sending us s drum of acidified slurry for aging to ths new product. Dispersions of >13.6X alumina era low viscosity. 3. Plans are to produce a limited quantity of extrudate in Ponca City to use for customer samples. It Is anticipated that we will be able to obtain larger quantities from Norton in the near future to use as samples. 4. One gallon each of aged and unaged Chevron type alumina slurry were sent to Norton. 5. Pure MR solvent, a 2:1 MR/LPA blend, and a commercial 1-K kerosene are currently being tested for burning quality as outlined in the 1-1 kerosene specification (ASTM D-3699). .0001181095 08/20/85 14:37 R&D WEST NO. 009 004 Weekly Progreee Report - CRS/ERS August 20, 1985 Pegs 3 6. Vista Analytical Is preparing to test HR solvent for PNA content by UV absorbance according to the teat specified In 21 CF1 178.3620* Tbs object la to see if MR should be considered for food or food-contact applications (21 CFR 172.884 and 178.3650). 0. C. Ksrfoot Id CC: WRC MFC WAD JTF RDF J06 LRH RTJ JJL BEL OIL KUf TFM AMN MBO XHP SJR CAS MLS ICS DLS WLS CMS DRW DLW JBV R. L. Poe e\ t VAR 11181096 U.J.B. Vogel Intoroffk* Communication FROM: DATE: Surfactants Business Area August 23, 1985 SUBJECT: Weekly1 Progress Report The Business Area is cooperating with manufacturing to compare paraffin requirements vs paraffin production capability over the next three years. The results will be used to determine if we need to make premake paraffins. Witco R&D has indicated a very strong interest in looking at any new specialty alkylates Vista has. The Russians will apparently be back in the C1416 paraffin market in the first quarter of 1986 (CY). VA^9001181097 TO: J. J. Weidner FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: T. H. Butler August 23, 1985 PROGRESS REPORT POR WEEK ENDING AUGUST 23. 1985 Progress over the last week in Personnel Development and Recruiting Is as follows: PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT - Nominations for Training Programs - Fiscal *86 - We have received the nomination forms from approximately 50Z of the functions to whom they were distributed. Follow-up has been Instituted In order to finalize on the October/November workshops, in view of all the prior activities associated therewith. Interaction Management (IAM) - Traln-the-Trainer Workshop - This workshop has been scheduled for the week of September 16 at the Lake Charles Hilton and will be conducted by Margie Pabst of Development Dimensions International. It will kick off Sunday evening, September 15, with a social hour starting at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner. Pre-work will be distributed by the end of August to the persons to be trained as instructors of IAM. We await final confirmation of several Individuals to be named as participants In this workshop. The Forum Corp. - Facc-to-Face Selling (FTP) - Attended this workshop for prospective clients. It Involved FTF for field sales personnel and Managing FTF for the sales supervisor. It Is a selling skills/competencies oriented workshop. Exceptional Sales Performance (ESP) and Managing ESP, dealing with the analytical aspects of the sales person's responsibilities (e.g. planning, time management, etc.), was also part of this overview workshop. Further exploratory discussions will be held with The Forum Corp. Competitive Selling Skills (CSS) Core Program - Participated in the recent CSS Core workshop conducted by Baker Communications for 8 Vista Chemical personnel. An overview of this program - a particular model dealing basically with principles of selling was presented. Also participated at the end of this workshop to review and discuss the CSS Reinforcement Program -- a cassette driven workbook for on-the-job skills practice. The participants were encouraged to engage In post-seminar discussions with their immediate supervisors and establish a planned approach for use of the CSS Reinforcement program. Progress Report for Week Ending 8/23/85 Page 2 Measurable Outcomes from Training Programs - If our training interfaces directly with the needs of the job "back home" and transfers quickly and efficiently to the actual situations being faced. It should impact the organization positively and contribute to cost savings and profit gains. It is the objective of our program for course evaluation to identify measurable outcomes, If In fact such Is the case. Feedback - from those who take the programs and from those who perceive the Impact of the training back on the job - is essential, along with the evaluation of the feedback. Our program for course evaluation involves the following: Anonymous Critiques: These are prepared by the participants. A composite report Is prepared which evaluates content, instructor and participant's reaction to the program. Follow-Up Workshop Evaluations: Several months after the workshop, evaluations are requested of the participants and their supervisors concerning benefits derived (or lack thereof). Follow-Up Feedback Instruments: The same composite profile, completed in advance of the workshop, will be available on a voluntary basis 6-9 months following the workshop. This will provide the Individual with a tool to measure his/her own skill development. RECRUITING - The recruiting workshop, originally planned to occur during the first half of September '85, has been scheduled for October 10. This was made necessary by the availability of the instructors for the Interviewing skills seminar which will require the major portion of the time of our one day recruiting workshop. * * T. H. Butler /naf cc: JRB VAB.0001181098 X R. A. Klein Inltraflki Communication From: Data: R. G. Segotta Auguee 23, 1985 Subject: Progress Report for Week Ending August 23, 1985 Cash Flow Improvement - As of August 21, the following orders were shipped, but not invoiced due to price discrepancies: As of No. Orders SNl'd No. Releases Affected Total SN1 Days Current Week Last Week Last Month 8/21 8/14 7/24 8 14 19 17 45 16 60 28 137 19B6 Budget - Field Sales and Administrative budgets are being compiled for review on Monday. Capital Equipment - The economics of buying selected Regional Sales office equipment are being analysed with respect to con tinued leasing costs. Purchasing and Marketing Administration are working together in developing a proposal. MSDS Letters - Initial data entry is now complete for all product groups. Reports for preliminary review by Environmental, S&T, and VCLASA have been generated and data verification Is underway. New Technical Information - Two new pieces are available for field use: Vista MR Solvent and Heavy Aromatic Distillate tech nical data sheets. Graphics Software - Updates to ChartMaater and SignMaster software have been made to our software allowing more flexibility and options. 5520 Training -- Six new 5520 users are scheduled for training on August 28. Dlsplaywriter Terminal - The spare terminal previously used by S&T will be transferred to Engineering next week. Randall G. Segotta /eab V a1! - fAR.0001181099 14: j 1 J JU. f 003 Wakly Progr*** Report Polymer* Raeeerch Section Peg* 2 l|Mt 211 1985 ucii) Amjcmaa 1. L. C. Haefner wee in Aberdeen for three day* to aaalat with realn tooting and analjala during a calendaring raain teat run. 2. J, N, Jan** vlalted Crane Pleatica. Vekspleat. Vieoa Corporation (Shorn Shore) to diecuaa potential RP-200T aalea. Crane 1 Vlcoa appear to be future RP-200T proapectet Vekaplaat atatad they night be latereated in buying raain. but not drybiend. 3. Lzod lnpact teata at PRS duplicated the poor lapact atrength aaen on fittings noIdad at Available Plastics fron our experlnental dryblende. We ere developing additional formulas In an effort to increase the Isod inpact, A. We conducted fusion teats on noveral raain samples In a fittings formula v# believe le similar to Tyler Pipe's. Tyler has complained of fusion variations in 5265. We tested sight 5265 aaaplea and two samples of Oxy raain. Ho aignifleant fusion differences were aaen. No further testing is planned unless Tyler experiences another problem and can provide a sample of "bad" 5265. 5. In an effort to resolve the splay problem experienced with 90172C at Lasco and U-Brand, two experimental formulas were iwnr rn Aberdeen Angunt 9 for prnpnrntlnn ill customer trial aaaplea. Wa are also still attempting to gain accaaa to a Conoco RAD injection molding machine to study this problem. / a< S* E* McGuire fix-' R. L. Poe ck cci JJL CHS HJH JLI RBM PAS JTF DRW ELS JHMc RBQ(2) KGH(2) GAB(2) 08 ^2 14: 30 ML'- -1 t IfJ. l.U'.r.i la: H. R. Flammar, BA-Plastic*, Houston R. E. Swantkowski. Marketing. Houston Prom: Date Subject: S. E. HcCulra and R. L. Poe, Ponca City August 21, 1985 WEEKLY PROGRESS REPORT--POLYMKRS RliSEARCH SECTION USU 1, Gardner colors have been determined on five dryer sample fro Oklahoma City* Three samples used 15 pounde of Irganox 245 ea the antioxidant* and two used 11/2 gallons of Ieonox 132* The samples using Isonox had colors which were compar able to samples using BUT, while the samples using Irganox had colors comparable to Nnugsrd 492* 2* The OXC sample for Fllmco haa boon tested in Pones City snd has been approved for shipment.' It will be tested seven-toten dsye sfter arrival at Fllmco. njsxnu APPLICATIONS 1* Die-cut pellets of 17461 and 17462 were evaluated at Central Plastics vs, diced pellets and Norples die-cut pellets* Die-cut pellets from VlAta and Norples extruded 20% faster than the diced pellets* The 17462 (5425 resin) gave a better surface than the Norplae material* The 17461 (5385 reeln) was not quite ae good as the Korplas) but It did not appear to have herd particles, even though It had failed the 20-eecond hard--particle teat* 2. The sample of 5465 obtained from UTC/FiSsex-Paul ins that had 1*15% volatiles was dried to normal moisture levels* the dry time of the wet resin is about 50% slower than the dry time of the dried resin* Their blender operators commented during our discussions there that they do see frequent 0CCUl'V*fiC6 of wwt uhuj^i liutriit*. UTC/Rnnex h\. Columbia City and Fort Wayne have also complained several times of wet resin* 3, Vista 17462 weatherstrip was successfully evaluated at the Better-Blit plant in Prescott, AZ. It i now approved at both of their locations. ;V '* * `i:- t* L S i VAB.0001181100 TO: Rick Flamer wranivivw bOHMMIItfefltlOfl FROM: DATE; Polymers Business Area August 23, 1985 VIS1A SUBJECT: WEEKLY PROGRESS REPORT - WEEK ENDING AUGUST 23, 1985 1. Compound orders on the books for August total 4,4 KM pounds -projecting to 4*7 pounds* 2* Bird Inc* has a short term need for 500,000 pounds of a tolled siding dryblend, Production for the product will begin next Thursday* emc *. * y v vf -Vi; . I ..% i i -r . 4 I* I r * VM I i. A i I w i I t 4 01181101 TO: J. R. Ball Z 6 FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: J. A. Hall August 23, 1985 PROGRESS REPORT - INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS As of August 23, domestic sales of key Industrial Chemicals for August are as follows: SALES VOLUME (M Lbs.) Shipped Shipped + Pending Budge t Alumina VCM Methyl Chloride 407 0 3,966 2,038 2,000 6,008 3,800 2,900 6,568 PROGRESS SUMMARIES EASTERN REGION JOHNSON MATTHEY, Wayne, PA (Alumina) - Dave Hood has Informed Vista that JMI will accept the 100 lolift bags currently in their inventory. W. R. GRACE, Baltimore, MD (Alumina) -- W. R. Grace has ordered 48,000 pounds of bagged CATAPAL alumina for delivery on October 1 and December 2, 1985. The material will be used to fill a specific W. R. Grace customer order, and therefore timing on additional requirements Is uncertain at this time. UNION CARBIDE, Danbury, CT (Methyl Chloride) - Union Carbide is fiH deciding on whether to continue manufacturing methyl chloride at their South Charleston plant (requiring movement of HCL through South Charleston) or to purchase methyl chloride from one or more merchant suppliers. UCC should have a decision within the next month. A key negotiation Issue for Union Carbide Company, if they decide to buy methyl chloride, will be the FOB point of the methyl chloride shipments (UCC desires FOB South Charleston). PIEDMONT LABS, Gainesville, GA (LPA Solvent) - Former owners and employees of Southeast Packing have started Piedmont Labs, a contract packer of various aerosol products. Piedmont has ap proached Vista for information and pricing on 450,000 gallons per year of Vista LPA solvents to be used in oil-based insecticides. A meeting is set up for August 28, 1985, to discuss the specifics. MIDWEST REGION UNITED CATALYST, Louisville, KY, (Alumina^ -- U.C. has evaluated ground CATAPAL Alumina from Fine Grinding as a replacement to Condea's SCF alumina. Results show the CATAPAL may offer an ww J. R. Ball August 23, 1985 Page 2 advantage for U.C. because it is Bomewhat finer than Condea's SCF. Pricing on Vista's ground CATAPAL has been requested, and a larger pilot plant trial will be scheduled. LAMPLIGHT FARMS, Milwaukee, WI, (LPA) - According to Mike Tindick, President, Lamplight can still obtain LPA-like solvent for under 95c/galIon in tank cars. However, they will continue purchasing some LPA from Vista because of the advantage of tank trucks and the long business relationship. The volume of business for Vista will depend upon pricing offered by the competition. I CARSTAB, Cincinnati, OH, (Methyl Chloride) - Dr. Raymond Phillips, former Materials Manager, has been promoted to Director of Marketing for the Carstab Division. His replacement is Robbie Rollins from Morton Thiokol's Chemical Division In Chicago. SOUTHWESTERN REGION SHELL CHEMICAL COMPANY, Houston, TX, (Alumina) - Shell says their catalyst business has been In the red since March and has been losing money at the rate of $IMM/month. They say they compete with such companies as Ketjen and American Cyanamlde who value alumina at 35c - 40c on an anhydrous basis. They claim our contract traps them into a certain amount of loss because catalyst prices have declined 50Z, and they see no prospect for prices to recover considering the 100Z overcapacity status of the hydrotreating catalyst market. Shell provided a rather detailed analysis of their costs, which indeed do not look very favorable for them. HARSHAW/FILTROL PARTNERSHIP, Los Angeles, CA, (Alumina) Harshaw/Flltrol seems resigned to not receiving 100% PD cars. However, since the first of July they report receiving 80Z bottom drop. The problem these cars cause is a result of the noise produced by the vacuum pump Harshaw/Flltrol uses for unloading. Since the last group of cars shipped in July had PTV's in the 23 25 range Harshaw/Flltrol says that the two cars shipped so far in August, which were also a 23 and a 25, are sure to cause them considerable difficulty. As a result, if the remaining two cars for shipment in August do not have PTV's of 22 or below, they have asked to cancel those orders. Harshaw/Flltrol has released seven cars for shipment in September and said there is some chance they could add to that. Based on their usual optimism about projected sales they anticipate a good fourth quarter. EXXON CHEMICAL AMERICAS, Baytown, TX, (Methyl Chloride) -- Exxon says butyl rubber orders have slumped and they have slipped from 13M lbs/day of methyl chloride consumption to 8M lbs/day. The result, of course, has been reduced methyl chloride orders. The halobutyl rubber plant in Baton Rouge is still operating at capacity. They do not know whether the butyl rubber business will recover later this fall. VAB.0001181102 <L4.- J. R. Ball August 23, 1985 Page 3 THE CLOROX COMPANY, Oakland, CA, (Alumina) - Clorox Purchasing Department called and reported that their earlier calculation of 10MM lbs of alumina consumption was In error by one order of magnitude. Instead, actual volumes would be between IMM - 2MM lbs, which is in agreement with the original 3MM lb estimate made by R&D two years ago. GEORGIA-GULF, Paaadena, TX, (Propylene) - Georgia-Gulf says the railroad has been getting Increasingly more particular on the maintenance of railcars. A railroad Inspection of the railcars in their yard containing propylene/propane mix found 5 of 13 cars which did not meet DoT regulations. Deficiencies Included such things as valves partially shut, defective valves, overloaded cars and missing placards. None of the cars in their yard were Vista cars. Georgia-Gulf has, however, asked all of their suppliers in writing to assure the safety and compliance of all shipments. AKZO CHEMIE, Pasadena, TX, (Alumina) - Although Akzo's hydrotreating catalyst business has continued to pay its way, their new FCC unit is posting substantial losses. Their technology has not been adequate for the U.S. market and they do not appear to have sufficient orders or prospects for any kind of short or long term solution. HARRISONS & CROSFIELD, Tustln, CA, (Alumina) - The screened alumina we provided for Harrisons & Crosfleld's translucent countertop application still did not pass the test. The product It produced was only slightly more translucent and ended up producing a gray product. Their fire retardant application remains to be tested, but currently we have no suggestions on how to make an acceptable product for their countertop business which Is 3MM lbs/year In bags at 25(. DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY, Freeport, TX, (Alumina) - Dow*s research laboratory in Freeport has asked for a sample of 1/16-inch Catapal extrudate. Their application Is some sort of proprietary hydrotreating process. Other aluminas have not been successful In their product, but their researchers claim that according to the specifications Catapal extrudate should work. EL PASO PRODUCTS CO., Odessa, TX, (Butadiene, Solvents) - El Faso says that CCPC is running their cracker on heavier feeds which has increased their butadiene supply. It is sufficient to keep them operating In the 60Z - 65Z range. They claim to be at a disadvantage in bidding for streams against such people as Texaco, TPC and Exxon because of their contract positions. El Paso says DuPont plans to stop making A01 (Aromatic Oil #1) when their old cracker stops. El Paso uses it In their Oil Field Solvents Division and are looking for a replacement. It appears we should pursue alkylate bottoms, DPA and HAD with them. FRONTIER RESEARCH & CHEMICAL CO., Missouri City, TX, (ODC, DPA) Frontiercalled looking for a heavy aromatic solvent TlBP, 500QF+). They were looking at a bottoms cut from a py gas stream from ARCO. It looks like DPA might fill his application, and a sample is being arranged. J. R. Ball August 23, 1985 Page 4 Because of logistics. Frontier Is replacing Sun as the mineral oil source for their drilling mud, and MR solvent is the best replacement they can find. They were sampled by Delta Solvents and Frontier Is trying to decide whether to buy directly from Vista or work through Delta. CHEMCENTRAL, Odessa, TX, (Solvents) - ChemCentral called asking about A01. We directed them to DuPont and subsequently found from El Paso that A01 might be discontinued. We should contact ChemCentral concerning their solvent requirements. MARKET DEVELOPMENT CALCASIEU REFINING CO., Houston, TX (MR Solvent) -- Arrangements are proceeding smoothly in preparation for a 5,000 bbl sale of MR Solvent (Molex Raffinate) to CRC. CRC will pick up the MR Solvent In TT over a 4-5 day period for delivery to their Lake Charles refinery. The MR Solvent will be used as a JP4 military jet fuel blendstock. Pricing is Platts Gulf Coast pipeline low for jet kero plus 1.5 cpg. With Conoco MR sales priced on a monthly average of jet kero and the CRC sale priced on the higher prices for the month, the overall margin improvement versus Conoco MR sales should be 3-4 cpg. U A. Hall Manager of Marketing Industrial Chemicals 001181103 TO: R. J. Andersen tnMrafflct CommvnkoMon FROM: DATE: Industrial Chemicals Business Area August 23, 1985 SUBJECT: WEEKLY PROGRESS REPORT SOLVENTS Agreed to sell 5000 barrels of MR Solvent to Calcasieu Refining for use as a blendstock In military jet fuel. Price is approxi mately 2.5-3.0 ^/gallon above the Conoco price. Exxon has expressed an interest in acquiring as much as 500-1000 BPD of MR Solvent. Exxon would blend the MR Solvent with one of their own products and sell the blended product In the solvents market. Vista will respond to Exxon the week of August 26. METHYL CHLORIDE Union Carbide needs to decide if they are going to continue to purchase anhydrous HC1 or methyl chloride for their Charleston, West Virginia silicone plant. ALUMINA Flltrol has decided they need lower PTV alumina than in their current specification. They have suggested cancellation of orders until we meet their PTV need. VAB.0001181104 TO: J.R. Ball FROM: DATE: R. E. Swantkowskl August 23, 1983 SUBJECT: PVC PROGRESS REPORT - Period Ending 8/22/83 As of 8/21/83, the total resin equivalent of domestic and export orders placed In August Is 52.121M lbs. A DOMESTIC TOTAL SHIPPED TOTAL ORDERS BUDGET FORECAST Resin Dryblend Connpcxnd TOTAL R.E. EXPORT R.E. 26.928 m 29,176 226 44.320 4.024 3.888 >0,3?? 1.726 53,633 4.833 i 60.868 131 42,195 4,105 4,902 48.954 423 PROGRESS SUMWIES EASTERN REGION Any return to a $0.30/lb.+ market Septenber 1 does not seem likely. Shlntech, who has posted $0.32/lb. for September, has offered September resin to Gold Bond for $0.255/tb., less $0.002/lb. net 10-day terms. Still no word from Formosa regarding Septenber. No prebuy volumes of resin are being placed, also indicating disbelief of an Increase. Current average net pricing in the pipe market seems to be $0,225 to $0.23/lb. BAH TERRITORY - Pipe prices as well as resin prices continue to Inch down. Pipe is as law as $68. Extruders are beginning to doubt that a resin price Increase In September Is possible. MIDWEST REGION No sign of firming of resin prices has yet been seen, or even heard. A price of $0.23/lb has spread across the Midwest this week, and Is seen In all major markets - Cresl Ine and Winnebago (pipe), DTG (calendering) and Variform (siding). B.F,Goodrich, while having met $0.23/lb at DTG, Is hesitating to recopilze the full effect of the price decline on wire and cable resin. At UTC they have reduced their wire and cable resin mrket price to $0.29, vblch yields a $0.265/lb net price. GEM resin pricing Is also weakening, with prices of $0.26-0.27/lb prevailing. Pipe dryblend Is folloving suit, with BFG offering twin screw dryblend to Eagle Plastics at $0.265/lb. PVC Progress Report August 23, 1985 Page 2 -b WESTERN REGION Pipe sales In August have been slaw but not more than usual for August. Very little expectation of a resin price Increase exists for September 1. There Is the general feeling that If pipe consuners felt there really would be a resin price Increase In September or October, pipe sales would greatly Increase. PRIMARY TARGET ACCOUNT STATUS EASTERN REGION ARMCO. Middletown, OH - Mike Scott, Purchasing Agent, placed a truckload order for experimental dryblend 5926-149 for Armoo's truss pipe application at their Springfield, Illinois, location. Scott also indicated that Vista would have the next purge dryblend order at Springfield, Illinois. VINYL BUILDING PRODUCTS - The premlun of $0,135 requested for beige color of Vista dryblend Is basically competitive with Termaco pellets on a total delivered price basis. We continue to discuss ways and means of reducing our pigment cost. S0UTHW1RE. Carrollton, GA - The relatively high pour point of 108P has eliminated Its use. Southwlre does not have heated storage tanks or lines, thus cold weather would create congealing. A.T.8T.. Greensboro, NC - No progress towards a trial date In Phoenix. AMERICAN HOECHST CORP., Delaware City. DE - No suppl iers have notified AHC of a rigid calendering resin price Increase for September 1. The current RCMP at AHC Is $0.29 per pound. COMPRESSION POLYMERS. Scranton. PA - 1. Dynamtt Nobel, CP's only type one sheet competitor. Is claiming technical faults with CP's type one sheet. We are working with CP to provide technical data that will alleviate this misconception. 2. CP requested Improvement on type 2 formulation to Improve die sticking. MIDWEST REGION CALENDERING WIHAN. St. Cloud, MN -- A trial with 10M lbs of Vista law hard particle S38S resin from 0KC Is being planned. John Lien and Bill Parsons are also considering a trial of 5425* 1181105 PVC Progress Report August 23, 1985 Page 3 RP-200T PROFILE EXTRUSIONS. Hastings. W -- Les Pal 1 In continues to work successfully on the twin screw extruder sizing equipment. Profile Extrusions has 6QM lbs of RP-200T Cream White In stock. If things go well, Les hopes to be In production with this first die, on non-Andersen parts. In September. Dryblend requirements for the balance of the year would then be a truck per month, starting In October. Mien not In production, the twin screw extruder will be used to develop two additional non-Andersen Janb liner dies. Les says the drop-dart Impact of RP-20QT produced profiles Is excel lent. He has not yet checked the color of the last lot of RP-200T for color match. Profile samples will be obtained When available. ANOERSEN, BAYFORT, W - Allan Hanson received RP-200T Cream White profile samples from Profile Extrusions. Strips will be cut from these profiles and placed In outdoor weathering studies this week. PRODUCTS BY MARKET RESIN PACIFIC WESTERN EXTRUDED PIPE. Eugene. OR - Cancelled 8 cars of resin for August. This Is for resin inventory adjustment. Late payments and detention time have been occurring. Plant Is running at about 60% capacity. This situation will continue through September. PIPE FITTINGS CERTAINTEED CORPORATION. Valiev Forge, PA -- Vista has agreed to be competitive at $0.23 per pound net-net for 2MM pounds to the West Coast In August. CT also has this price for September and Is protected on the down side. EAGLE PLASTICS. Hastings, NE - Larry Schnase has agreed to a 1% discount In lieu of 60 day payment terms. This allowed Treasury to release a second railcar of 80273G to this new account. This will also establish Eagle's payment history and credit record more quickly. Potential purchases by year end are 5 railcars per month. BFG Is providing Eagle's single screw dryblend needs, and Is offering twin screw dryblend at a $0.025/lb ipcharge over resin. Current twin screw dryblend pricing from BFG Is $0.265/lb. SIDING GRANE PLASTICS. Coluibus, OH -- Agreement has been made between Vista Polymers and Crane Plastics to roll over the current PVC sales agreement. Volune Is 17.5FM lbs. annually. VARIFORM, Kearney. MO - states they are receiving offers of $0.235/lb for siding resin shipments In Septmiber. Marsha Hend ricks, Fkirchaslng, Is confirming an offer of $0.23/lb. PVC Progress Report August 23, 1985 Page 4 BIRD INCORPORATED, BARDSTOWN. KY - Bird contacted Marketing re questing Vista to blend 500 M lbs of siding grade dryblend using Bird's formulation. Bird Is In need of dryblend due to a con tractor's strike during process changes In the dryblend unit at Bardstown, KY. Marketing will visit Bird on 7/22 In order to finalize details, pricing, etc., to toll process dryblend for Bird beginning week of 8/26. Future resin supply opportunities will also be discussed. WIRE 6 CABLE UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORP.. Marlon. IN - Spot wire and cable resin prices for August Include $0.27/lb from Shintech and Georgia Gulf. BFG has adjusted the market price to $0.29/lb, which nets out at $0.265/lb at month end. Vista's contractual month end price Is more attractive for UTC, which should result In extra purchases In August. CALENDERING DIVERSITECH GENERAL. Toledo, OH - Calendering grade resin pricing 7s at $0.23/lb from Formosa, which price has been met by BFG. Vista will also meet to maintain position. Insufficient plasti cizer absorption at the Colurbus, MS plant with Vista's 5385 resin In a specialty end-use has resulted In DTG's partial switch to Geon 31 resin. DIVERSITECH GENERAL. COLUMBUS. MS - Problems concerning plasticizer absorption, using Vista resin and high levels of plasticizer, resurfaced at DTG. These problems disappeared when GEON 31 resin was used In place of Vista 5385 PVC resin. Purchasing advised that they will begin purchasing GEGN 31 resin for use In highly plasticized products, displacing approximately one railcar of Vista resin. Samples of the Vista resin and compound have been sent to the PRS. DRYBLEND TRAYCO, Lapeer. Ml - Marketing Informed Trayco of Vista's Interest to develop a supply relationship on a sheet grade dryblend. Trayco has requested a sample of pelletized dryblend to test on their extruders. FILM GRADE RESIN RJR PILMOOa Auroras OH - Don Ralph, Technical Director, Indicated that the 500-pound sample of Vista 5385 PVC film grade resin has arrived at his Aurora, Ohio, location* Ralph has requested that I contact him on Friday to determine a date for the trial evaluation. :: :: x k * x k k * s: VAB.0001181106 rw PVC Progress Report August 23, 1985 Page 5 POLYMERS MARKET DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY Dryblend - Most of this week was spent putting together a Development plan for the Impact-resIstant (Type-11) pvc sheet market. Based on the results of contact with 15-20 companies I will Issue specific recaimandatIons on developmental account candidates, product requirements, and course of action with respect to two sheet applications on 8/23. R.E. SMANTKOWSKI RES/tal AB.0001181107