Content-Length: 8244 Server: WebQuest/2.0 (Mark West,Richard Fredell; 1995-1996) Last-Modified: Fri, 14 Feb 1997 22:30:26 GMT Content-type: text/html AMCOL Fact Book


 Letter to Investors

 



The AMCOL International Corporation 1996 Fact Book was published November 15, 1996, to provide an introductory overview of AMCOL International Corporation and its subsidiaries (together, the "Corporation"). The information in the Fact Book was current as of that date. Since subsequent events may have impacted the information in the Fact Book, investors should review this Fact Book in conjunction with the Corporation's recent Securities and Exchange Commission filings, available from the Corporation's Investor Relations Department (847/394.8730).

The Corporation does not make any representation or warranty regarding any information or projections, if any, contained herein regarding the future performance of the Corporation. Such information or projections are based on a combination of factors, including (i) the Corporation's past performance, (ii) industry analysts' expectations and (iii) management's reasonable expectations as of the date of publication. The Corporation's actual future results will depend on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the following: (a) actual growth in the Corporation's various markets, (b) utilization of the Corporation's plants and factories, (c) operating costs, (d) raw material prices and (e) delays in development, production and marketing of new products.



We are pleased to present the 1996 edition of the AMCOL International Corporation Fact Book. Designed to assist you in assessing future opportunities for AMCOL, the book provides information on our company and its competitive positioning, along with our strategies for growing the business and increasing shareholder value.

In May 1995, shareholders voted to change the company's name from American Colloid Company to AMCOL International Corporation -- a signal that our business continues to evolve from its foundation in bentonite minerals markets to a family of companies capitalizing on our collective strengths.

In recent years, we have expanded into high-growth markets, including absorbent polymers for use in baby diapers and adult incontinence products, and environmental products and technologies.

We have formed individual operating subsidiaries to focus on our new opportunities, including Chemdal, established in 1986, and Colloid Environmental Technologies Company (CETCO), established in 1991. Each subsidiary operates autonomously under the AMCOL parent, distinctive in its products and technologies, yet contributing to the shared goals for AMCOL's sales, earnings and shareholder returns.

As we move forward to the next century, we are positioned for significant growth, both domestically and internationally. Growth will be achieved in our core business segments -- minerals, absorbent polymers, environmental and transportation. In addition, we look for growth through improved return on investment, and the introduction of new, value-added products and technologies, such as those related to our newest subsidiary, Nanocor, Inc., which will supply minerals-based additives for high-performance plastics.

We have the financial strength and operational flexibility necessary to support our planned growth, and we believe AMCOL's future is bright. We appreciate your interest in our company, and hope that this fact book will help you better understand AMCOL, its positioning and prospects.

 

Sincerely,

John Hughes
President and Chief Executive Officer
AMCOL International Corporation


Corporate Overview | About AMCOL International Corporation | Strategic Overview
Research & Development | Capital Spending | Acquisitions

Financial Highlights | Minerals | Absorbent Polymers Environmental
| Transportation | Nanocomposites

Appendix | Mineral Markets | Mining, Minerals Processing & Reclamations
Mineral Use and Estimated Reserves
Chemdal's Absorbent Polymer Products - Non-Personal Care Markets
Environmental Markets | Officer Profiles | Board of Directors

Glossary" | Operations | Investor Information