Pittsburgh-based Koppers Holdings recently sold its utility pole treating facility in Sweetwater, Tenn., to Culpeper Wood Preservers affiliates for an undisclosed amount.
“We are pleased to take this next step in optimizing our treating footprint by consolidating underutilized capacity,” Jim Sullivan, Koppers executive vice president and COO, said. “Making this deal even better is that a valued customer of our Performance Chemicals business is interested in the site to serve their growing residential treating business.”
The sale is part of Koppers’ strategy to optimize its network of operations and become the leading global provider of technologies to enhance wood. The company has sold or closed 15 facilities worldwide, significantly increasing its financial performance since 2014. It also has made six acquisitions and three divestitures.
Sweetwater employees have been given an opportunity to remain with Culpeper.
Koppers is a global provider of treated wood products, wood treatment chemicals, and carbon compounds with facilities located in North America, Europe, Australasia, and South America. Koppers Utility and Industrial Products is a wholly owned subsidiary of Koppers Holdings.
The company’s products and services are used by a diverse range of end users in various niche applications. These industries include agriculture, aluminum, construction, residential lumber, specialty chemical, steel, railroad, rubber, and utilities.