VALDOSTA — Arizona Chemical will be around for a few months longer than initially projected.

The company announced a year ago that the plant would be closing in 16 months, as plans were being made to expand the Savannah facility and move the Valdosta operation to that plant.

However, the plant will not close in December as originally scheduled, but will continue to operate at “full capacity through the second quarter of 2009, six months later than originally announced on 1 August 2007,” according to a statement released by Arizona Chemical.

At the time the announcement was made, the approximately 75 employees were informed that they would not be offered jobs in Savannah, and the company did not comment on the current number of employees or their status. Lee Crowder, plant manager, stated, “The Valdosta plant’s operating capacity will be downsized in mid-2009.”

“The level of ongoing employment or timing for full closure has not been determined at this time.”

“The AZC Valdosta site is committed to operational excellence with employee safety and environmental compliance at the forefront of our operations.”

Arizona Chemical is one of the oldest industries still operating in Valdosta. The plant has been located here since the 1930s.