FMC Lithium Announces Butyllithium Price Increase

10-17-2003: Gastonia, N.C. -- FMC Lithium is implementing a price increase of three percent (3%) for all grades of butyllithium. The increase applies to all butyllithium pricing worldwide and takes effect on January 1, 2004, or as contracts allow. Rising energy and raw materials costs are factors contributing to this price increase.

FMC Lithium is one of the world's largest producers of lithium chemicals and other specialty organometallics. FMC Lithium produces a family of specialty inorganic, organic, and metal compounds serving these major markets: air treatment, construction, energy storage, fine chemicals, glass and ceramics, greases and lubricants, polymers, and pool water treatment. Production facilities are located in Salta, Argentina; Bessemer City, North Carolina; Bayport, Texas; Bromborough, England; through two joint ventures in Japan. The company employs nearly 600 people worldwide and is a division of FMC Corporation, a global diversified chemical company serving agricultural, industrial and consumer markets. FMC Corporation divides its businesses into three segments: agricultural products, specialty chemicals and industrial chemicals. For more than a century, FMC Corporation has provided customers with innovative solutions, applications and products. The company employs approximately 5,500 people worldwide.