The moves, which are expected to be completed over the next 12 months, are part of a Huntsman corporate cost-reduction initiative launched in November. Business-support functions such as order processing and financial management will be provided from a centralized, shared service center based at Tioxide's global headquarters in Billingham, England, the company said.

Stuart Heyes, vice president of Sales for North America, said the actions would allow the company to "leverage highly efficient and cost-effective services" in Houston and Billingham. "For the Tioxide customer, the key sales and technical-services contacts remain in place, ensuring that we continue business as usual," he said.