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Restructuring Charge
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Restructuring Charge  
Restructuring Charge

3.             Restructuring Charge

 

As part of a manufacturing optimization plan developed in conjunction with the acquisition of National Starch to improve profitability, in the second quarter of 2011 the Company committed to a plan that will optimize its production capabilities at certain of its North American facilities.  The Company anticipates that its plan will be completed by September 30, 2012 at which time certain equipment will cease to be used.  As a result, the Company is recording restructuring charges to write the equipment off by September 30, 2012.  For the first quarter of 2012, the Company recorded charges of $4 million, of which $3 million represents accelerated depreciation on the equipment.  The Company will record restructuring charges of $4 million per quarter until the completion of the plan when the equipment will be fully depreciated.