News
By: By John Miles
Date: 3.26.2009
Source:www.poolspanews.com
In the wake of downward spiraling sales and reduced liquidity, Chemtura Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
protection on March 18.
The parent company of chemical manufacturer BioLab has arranged for $400 million of financing so it can pay future
suppliers and move forward with day-to-day business.
Chemtura, however, is not currently looking to sell BioLab, and the restructuring effort should have a minimal impact
on the company, noted Charlie Schobel, BioLab's vice president and general manager, pool and spa products.
"At this time, we don't see any concern in being able to provide product to our customers," he said. "We're a strong
company that has a parent company with some cash liquidity problems."
BioLab actually generated $50 million in operating income last year, Schobel added.
Chemtura's heaviest losses were sustained in the specialty chemicals market, where weakening demand for industrial
plastics caused sales to plummet.
Still, Lawrenceville, Ga.-based BioLab has seen its own fair share of change in the past few years, culminating in the
restructure of its managerial team at the beginning of 2009.
Despite the bankruptcy filing, dealers remain confident in BioLab.
"I'm not expecting even as much as a hiccup," said Chris Callanan, owner of North Shore Pool & Spa in Wakefield, Mass.
"My company has been with them since the '70s, and we've been through thick and thin."
Nevertheless, dealers and service technicians industrywide are paying more for their chemicals these days. Three
separate price hikes from various manufacturers since summer 2008 have increased the cost of these products 20 percent
across the board.
The increases may be long overdue. Chemical companies were forced to absorb the brunt of higher raw material costs
from the middle of 2007 and throughout 2008, though prices on some raw materials have since dropped.
"A number of the major manufacturers were under contract for the season, so therefore they couldn't raise prices, and
I know they lost millions and millions of dollars in the process," said Manuel J. Perez de la Mesa, president/CEO of
PoolCorp in Covington, La.
"The bottom line," he added, "is that chemical prices have been artificially depressed for years and the costs are
beginning to recover to what they should be."
By:
Date: 3.27.2009
Source: www.sandiego6.com
SAN DIEGO - A $26 million athletics facility that includes a gymnasium, fitness center, classrooms and multipurpose
areas opened Friday at San Diego Miramar College.
The Hourglass Park Field House is part of a larger 32-acre athletics complex project built in three phases at the Mira
Mesa campus, funded through a $2.1 billion bond measure for school improvements.
Phase one opened in 1994 with multi-use ball fields, volleyball courts, a snack bar and children's play areas.
The three-pool Ned Baumer Miramar College Aquatic Center, touted as the largest facility of its kind in San Diego
County, was the second phase of the project and opened in 1999.
The shared-use facilities serve both college student athletics and instruction, but also residents through programs
offered by the San Diego Park and Recreation Department.
By: Kota Kinabalu
Date: 3.28.2009
Source: www.dailyexpress.com.my
Kota Kinabalu: Tourists and diners at a five-star resort in the city were startled when two loud
explosions were heard in the vicinity of its swimming pool, Friday.
The explosions at about 8pm apparently came from chlorine placed inside a pail near the pool.
A diner who was eating at the non-aircond area outside the restaurant which is near the pool said he heard two
explosions followed by a terrible smell. He said a worker of the resort placed the pail of chlorine near the swimming
pool and walked to the other side of the pool before the explosions were heard.
Waitresses quickly asked all the diners outside to come into the restaurant before calling the Fire and Rescue
Department where a team was despatched to investigate.
No one was swimming in the pool when the incident occurred during a slight drizzle and no visible damage was detected.
Chlorine is a substance used in bleaching and disinfectants. As a common disinfectant, chlorine compounds are used in
swimming pools to keep them clean and sanitary.
A hotel guest suggested that staff be trained properly on the handling of chlorine.
