Armenian Synthetic Corundum Producer Halts Output Due To Crisis

ARMENIAN SYNTHETIC CORUNDUM PRODUCER HALTS OUTPUT DUE TO CRISIS Interfax Nov 6 2008 Russia Vanadzor Chemicals Complex, an Armenian producer of synthetic corundum, shut down production on November 1 due to the global financial crisis, general director Alexander Snigirev told Interfax. Core production of synthetic corundum for jewelry, which was exported to Thailand, has been shut down because there is no demand, he said. "The time has come to stop and think about a new development strategy for the company," Snigirev said. He said that on November 20 the plant intends to start producing leucosapphires, for which there is greater market demand at the moment. These are so-called blue diodes that are used in electronics, including in production of billboards, screens... [read full story]