First Chemical Corp. Shut Down by Hurricane Georges, To Resume Operations Next Week.

JACKSON, Miss.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 2, 1998--First Chemical Corp., a ChemFirst Inc. (NYSE:CEM) company, reports minor damage to its Pascagoula, Miss., chemical complex from Hurricane Georges, which hit Pascagoula Sept. 28.

"The plant suffered only minor structural damage, but is shut down as a result of flooding," said George Simmons, First Chemical's president. "Work crews have begun cleanup and restoration efforts. We expect to have the plant running by next Wednesday and to be in full production in about two weeks. We will supply our customers from current inventories or other sources."

The financial impact to the company will be limited as insurance will cover the losses, subject to a $1 million deductible.

"Many employees have been assisting in the clean-up efforts. All employees will report back to work Monday for a normal work day," said Carl Rensink, First Chemical's vice president, intermediates, with responsibility for plant-wide operations.

First Chemical Corp. is a leading producer of aniline and specialty chemicals used in automotive, polymer, insulation, pharmaceutical and agrochemical products and markets, with facilities in Pascagoula, Miss., and Baytown, Texas. ChemFirst Inc. companies produce specialty chemicals and chemical intermediates for industry and agriculture, and provide engineered products and services to chemical and other industries.