AarhusKarlshamn gives details of cause of accident on 4 December 2007

AarhusKarlshamn gives details of cause of accident on 4 December 2007

Today AarhusKarlshamn Denmark A/S sent details on the accident to the Danish
Ministry of the Environment after a good two weeks' investigation.

The investigations have shown that the cause of the accidental explosion on 4
December was a metal pipe corroding through with subsequent leakage of hexane
into a concrete duct and then permeating into a basement through a 30 cm thick
solid exterior wall. 

It has hitherto been regarded as inconceivable that there could be any hexane in
that basement and the electrical systems were not spark free in contrast to
other areas where hexane is normally used. 

The electrical systems operate automatically and a spark from them triggered the
explosion, which led to the tragic death of a member of staff when he was
outside the building alongside the spot where the explosion occurred.

This is clear from the information that AarhusKarlshamn Denmark A/S sent to the
authorities today.

Since the accident, the hexane in the covered concrete ducts and all damaged
pipe work have been removed, while safety systems in the form of ventilation,
gas detection, fire alarm systems and automatic foam extinguishers have been
upgraded.

AarhusKarlshamn Denmark A/S' managing director Jørgen Balle explained: “with the
cause established, we can now carry out the repairs and improvements involved in
ensuring that a similar accident cannot happen again. We can then get on with
things, which is what everyone wants after an accident that has affected us
greatly.”

For further information, please contact:
Bo Svensson, CIO     	
Phone: + 46 (0)454 820 00 or +46 (0)40 627 83 00
Mobile: + 46 (0)708 182 193
E-mail: bo.svensson@aak.com


AarhusKarlshamn is the world's leading producer of high value-added speciality
vegetable fats. These fats are characterized by a high technological content and
are used as substitute for butter-fat and cocoa butter, transfree solutions for
fillings in chocolate and confectionery products, and in the cosmetics industry.
AarhusKarlshamn has production facilities in Denmark, Mexico, the Netherlands,
Sweden, Great Britain, Uruguay and the US. The company is organised in three
Business Areas; Chocolate and Confectionery Fats, Food Ingredients and Technical
Products & Feed. Further information on AarhusKarlshamn can be found on the
company's website www.aak.com.