ATOFINA Chemicals Suspends Operations At Portland Plant.

Business Editors

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 30, 2001

ATOFINA Chemicals, Inc. announces the indefinite suspension of operations at its Portland, Oregon chlor-alkali and sodium chlorate plant in light of the unprecedented power prices in the Pacific Northwest. The plant employs 131 people and produces chlorine, caustic soda, sodium chlorate, hydrochloric acid and hydrogen.

"We have agonized for months over this decision and considered many options to keep this facility operating, including the installation of a cogeneration plant," said Larry Farmer, president of ATOFINA Portland. "We have determined that the best possible course of action is to suspend operations indefinitely at this time, rather than later when our power supply would not be sufficient to sustain production. This allows us to compensate our loyal employees appropriately, release excess power back to the community, and secure the site in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. We will also ensure that our contract customers continue to be supplied with necessary product for the next six months (until September 30, 2001)."

ATOFINA Chemicals, Inc. (formerly Elf Atochem North America) produces high-performance chemicals and polymers. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ATOFINA Chemicals employs 4,000 people and reported sales in 2000 of $2 billion. ATOFINA Chemicals is part of ATOFINA, the world's 5th largest chemical company, with 2000 sales of $19 billion. ATOFINA is the chemical branch of TotalFinaElf, the world's 5th largest oil and gas company, with 2000 sales of $107 billion (NYSE:TOT).

www.AtofinaChemicals.com