Engelhard Corp. is raising prices for its specialty kaolin-based and mica-based pigments to industrial markets effective January 15, 2004. The increase will be 5% or more of current prices. At the same time, Engelhard will eliminate all applicable energy surcharges, and combine and standardize most packaging charges into the basic product prices. "Despite our ongoing and aggressive productivity improvements and expense reductions, the price increase is needed to partially offset dramatic increases in energy, labor and other costs," said Stephen D. Lux, group vice president and general manager of appearance and performance technologies. "If we are to continue to provide the products and services customers expect, we must recover a portion of the cost increases we have incurred the past several years."

For more information, visit http://www.engelhard.com .