COLUMBUS, OH. June 18, 1999 -- Georgia-Pacific Resins, Inc. today announced that it is currently testing new safety systems and computerized production equipment at its resin plant on Watkins Road.

The new safeguards are part of a $20 million investment Georgia-Pacific has made to rebuild its resin production facilities, which were halted by an explosion on Sept. 10, 1997. The plant’s formaldehyde production operations were undamaged in the explosion and have continued to operate safely and without incident for more than 20 months.

“It is – and always has been – our intention to operate this plant safely and with no impact on the neighborhood or environment,” said Andy Norman, plant manager. “Safety remains our prime concern.”

The new resin plant features state-of-the-art safety systems using technology, including extensive automation, which is newly available for this application. Many of the safety features recently became operational at another Georgia-Pacific resin plant. The testing currently under way at Columbus will ensure that the new safety systems are in proper working order prior to the resumption of resin production.

Engineers from the independent consulting firm of Metcalf & Eddy will be observing the testing of the new systems. Earlier this year, the Columbus City Council hired Metcalf & Eddy to analyze the resin plant’s new safety features and to inspect another Georgia-Pacific plant that has similar automated safety systems. Metcalf & Eddy is expected to report its findings at a public informational meeting hosted by Columbus City Council at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, at the Marion-Franklin Recreation Center. Information on the design of the new plant also has been made available to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

“We have been actively seeking and receiving input from our neighbors and we want to continue to hear from the community,” Norman said.
Resins produced at the Watkins Road plant are used as binding agents (or glues) in a wide variety of residential and industrial applications, including kitchen countertops, melamine cabinets and automobile parts.
The plant, which has about 40 employees, has operated at its current location since 1971.

Media Contact:
Andy Norman (303) 706-8128