KRONOS Worldwide, Inc. and its predecessors have been producing titanium dioxide pigments (TiO2) since 1916. During this same time period, the Titanium Pigment Corporation of Niagara Falls, New York, and the Titan Co. AS, of Norway simultaneously began commercial production of this new white pigment that was principally used in paints. Today, TiO2 is the world's primary pigment for providing whiteness, brightness and opacity.
The original process pioneered by these operations was the sulfate process, utilizing , and producing anatase pigments. In 1939, the company began marketing the first rutile pigment and, over time, rutile pigments have completely replaced anatase in paints, coatings and plastics. The company also provided ilmenite ore, an important feedstock for certain of the company's sulfate plants, from its two mines. One of these mines is still in operation in Norway and sells ore to third parties in addition to supplying the company's internal needs.
As demand for TiO2 spread throughout Europe, the company built manufacturing facilities in Germany and established sales organizations in France and Belgium. Further growth in worldwide demand led to the construction of additional production facilities in Belgium and Canada during the late 1950's.
One of the most significant milestones in the history of the company was the development and commercialization of its proprietary chloride process technology. Its first chloride process plant was commissioned in the late 1970's, and it was the first commercial TiO2 plant in Continental Europe to utilize the chloride process technology. Today over 70% of the company's TiO2 capacity is produced through the chloride process.
Germany
